Courses / Module

Toggle Print

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

Module code: EP407
Credits: 5
Semester: 2
Department: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
International:
Coordinator: Dr Frank Mulligan (EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS)

	Overview
	The aim of this module is to further develop the student's knowledge of electromagnetics as applied to electromagnetic radiation. Module content Electromagnetic Radiation: Maxwell's equations, numerical methods, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic energy and momentum, reflection and refraction, Fresnel equations, polarization of waves and behaviour at plane interfaces, wave propagation in conductors, skin effect, retarded potentials, Hertzian dipole, antennas, Thomson scattering, Rayleigh scattering. This module specifically addresses the following topics of the Core of Physics, as defined by Institute of Physics: - Vectors to the level of div, grad and curl; divergence theorem and Stokes� theorem - Waves on strings, sound waves and EM waves - Maxwell�s equations and plane EM wave solution; Poynting vector - EM spectrum - Polarisation of waves and behaviour at plane interfaces

Overview

The aim of this module is to further develop the student's knowledge of electromagnetics as applied to electromagnetic radiation.

Module content
Electromagnetic Radiation: Maxwell's equations, numerical methods, electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic energy and momentum, reflection and refraction, Fresnel equations, polarization of waves and behaviour at plane interfaces, wave propagation in conductors, skin effect, retarded potentials, Hertzian dipole, antennas, Thomson scattering, Rayleigh scattering.

This module specifically addresses the following topics of the Core of Physics, as defined by Institute of Physics:

- Vectors to the level of div, grad and curl; divergence theorem and Stokes� theorem

- Waves on strings, sound waves and EM waves

- Maxwell�s equations and plane EM wave solution; Poynting vector

- EM spectrum

- Polarisation of waves and behaviour at plane interfaces

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: Apply Maxwell's equations to propagation of electromagnetic radiation in vacuum, in a dielectric with permittivity e and permeability �, and in a metal. Derive the Fresnel equations for the reflection and transmission of radiation at the interface between two dielectrics and at the surface of a good conductor. Explain the meaning and role of retarded potentials in the calculation of electric and magnetic fields, and apply them to the case of the Hertzian dipole to obtain an expression for the power radiated in the far-field. Discuss the cross-section for scattering of electromagnetic radiation by a free electron (Thomson scattering), atoms or molecules (Rayleigh scattering).

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 90 minutes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? No Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

	Pre-Requisites
	Have passed 3rd Year Experimental Physics, or Physics with Astrophysics, or equivalent

Timetable

Search form

Courses / Module

ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

Semester 1

Semester 2