Electrodynamics I module (PH31007)

In this module, you will consolidate your knowledge of the integral form of Maxwell’s equations and discover their differential form appropriate for a vector calculus-based treatment of the fundamental aspects of electricity and magnetism. Numerical and graphical examples will emphasise the advantages of the vector calculus approach. You will learn to use coordinate systems that exploit the underlying natural symmetries of Gaussian surfaces and Amperian loops.

Topics include:

• Gauss’s law
• Gauss’s law for non-uniform charge distributions
• Potential theory; work and energy in electrostatics.
• Boundary conditions with conductors and insulators
• Laplace’s equation; Poisson’s equation and interpretation of solutions; method of images
• Polarisation and dielectric materials
• Maxwell’s modification of Ampere’s law: justification for introducing the displacement current
• The Lorentz force law
• Gauss’s law for magnetic fields
• Magnetic vector potential
• Magnetisation; the H field
• Linear and nonlinear media
• Electromotive force
• Faraday’s law
• Maxwell’s equations with boundary conditions and derivation of the wave equation.