Department of Physics, The University of West Indies, Mona


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P33K / PHYS3385

Electromagnetism

(4 Credits) Semester II Level III

Prerequisites : P24H or P23I

Aim

To allow students to describe and predict the behaviour of electromagnetic waves in different media.

Objectives

To use vector analysis and vector calculus to derive and analyze Maxwell’s equations in differential form, equation of continuity. Poisson’s equation, electromagnetic wave equation
To apply Maxwell’s equations to the propagation of plane electromagnetic waves in various media
To obtain and analyze the Fresnel equations
To describe dispersion of electromagnetic waves in various media and sources of electromagnetic waves.

Content

Review of vector analysis and vector calculus. Derivation of Maxwell’s equations in differential form. Equation of continuity. Poisson’s equation. Derivation of the electromagnetic wave equation. Solution for plane waves in dielectrics. Electromagnetic nature of light. Energy flow and the Poynting vector. Boundary conditions. Reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves at dielectric boundaries. Derivation of Snell’s law. Fresnel’s equations. Total reflection. Brewster’s angle. Transmission and reflection coefficients. Propagation of electromagnetic waves in conducting media. Skin depth. Energy flow in conductors. Reflection of electromagnetic waves by a conductor. Dispersion of electromagnetic waves in various media. Sources of electromagnetic waves.

Evaluation (Overall theory and Practical to be passed separately):

One 2-hour theory examination paper 70%

One 1-hour test 20%

Practical work 10%

| Last Updated: March 26, 2004
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