PHY204 - Classical Electrodynamics (2022-2023)

Prerequisites: PHY104, PHY105
Classical electrodynamics is an important
pillar of physics given that it led to numerous
scientific and technological developments
since the 19th century. PHY204
aims to provide students with an introduction
to the principles and behaviors of
dynamical electric and magnetic systems,
and a theoretical foundation in classical
field theory. It builds upon the knowledge
acquired in PHY104 and begins with
reminders in electrostatics and magnetostatics,
before moving on to a more formal
presentation of Maxwell’s equations in
magnetic and dielectric media including
local and integral forms, conservation
laws, potential formulations and Gauge
transformations. Applications of the electromagnetic
theory such as free or guided
propagation, optical phenomena or the
emission of radiation by moving charges
are presented as key concepts illustrating
the development of modern technology.
The course concludes with an introduction
to relativistic electrodynamics and its
covariant formulation.
Upon completion of this course, students
will master the fundamental principles in
classical electrodynamics. They will be
able to understand the origin of Maxwell’s
equations in magnetic and dielectric
media and their essential consequences.
Besides deriving and solving simple
models illustrating the main concepts,
they will also be able to understand the
physical principles governing everyday
life and modern technological systems,
from wave propagation phenomena to
optical fibers, to antennas and electrical
engines.
Topics covered in this course include:
electrostatics, potential problems in 3D,
boundary value problems, Poisson’s equation,
multipole expansion; conservation
laws; dia-para-ferro-magnetism, induction
laws; field energy; displacement
current; solution to Maxwell’s equations
in vacuum, superconductivity (London
theory); plane electromagnetic waves;
waveguides and resonators; radiating systems;
special theory of relativity; relativistic
kinematics; Lorentz transforms of
Fields; 4 vectors, covariant formulation of
electromagnetism; radiation by moving
charges; synchrotron radiation; Cherenkov
radiation.

Classical electrodynamics is an important pillar of physics given that it led to numerous scientific and technological developments since the 19th century. PHY 204 aims to provide students with an introduction to the principles and behaviors of dynamical electric and magnetic systems, and a theoretical foundation in classical field theory. It builds upon the knowledge acquired in PHY104 and begins with reminders in electrostatics and magnetostatics, before moving on to a more formal presentation of Maxwell’s equations in magnetic and dielectric media including local and integral forms, conservation laws, potential formulations and Gauge transformations. Applications of the electromagnetic theory such as free or guided propagation, optical phenomena or the emission of radiation by moving charges are presented as key concepts illustrating the development of modern technology. The course concludes with an introduction to relativistic electrodynamics and its covariant formulation.

 Upon completion of this course, students will master the fundamental principles in classical electrodynamics. They will be able to understand the origin of Maxwell's equations in magnetic and dielectric media and their essential consequences. Besides deriving and solving simple models illustrating the main concepts, they will also be able to understand the physical principles governing everyday life and modern technological systems, from wave propagation phenomena to optical fibers, to antennas and electrical engines.

Topics covered in this course include: electrostatics, potential problems in 3D, boundary value problems, Poisson’s equation, multipole expansion; conservation laws; dia-para-ferro-magnetism, induction laws; field energy; displacement current; solution to Maxwell’s equations in vacuum, superconductivity (London theory); plane electromagnetic waves; waveguides and resonators; radiating systems; special theory of relativity; relativistic kinematics; Lorentz transforms of Fields; 4 vectors, covariant formulation of electromagnetism; radiation by moving charges; synchrotron radiation; Cherenkov radiation.