[The University of Leicester]

Department of Mathematics



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MA3001 Relativity and Electromagnetism

MA3001 Relativity and Electromagnetism

Credits: 20 Convenor: Dr. M. Dampier Semester: 2
Prerequisites: essential: MA1001, MA1002, MA2001 desirable: MA1051, MA2051
Assessment: Two weekly exercises: 10% three hour exam: 90%
Lectures: 30 Problem Classes: 11
Tutorials: none Private Study: 104
Labs: none Seminars: none
Project: none Other: none
Surgeries: 5 Total: 150

Subject Knowledge

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to basic ideas in special relativity and in electromagnetic theory, and to enable them to solve a number of significant problems in both these areas. The connection between the two fields is also dealt with.

Learning Outcomes

To know how special relativity deals with the shortcomings in classical ideas of space and time, and to be able to use the new theory to solve kinematic and dynamic problems. To understand the development of Maxwell's theory of the electromagnetic field and to be able to use that theory to obtain significant physical predictions.

Methods

Lectures, surgeries, problem classes.

Assessment

Marked problem sheets, examination.

Subject Skills

Aims

To develop skills in modelling physical systems, to develop students' mathematical problem solving skills, and their skills in communicating mathematical arguments.

Learning Outcomes

Students will have extended their ability to use mathematics to formulate and think about physical problems, and will have improved their ability to solve the associated mathematical problems using pencil and paper. They will have improved their ability to write mathematical arguments.

Methods

Lectures, surgeries, problem classes.

Assessment

Marked problem sheets.

Explanation of Pre-requisites

The work on physical applications of mathematics that has occurred in various places in the first and second year of the degree is extended in this module, although it would be accessible to a well-motivated student without that background provided they had knowledge of vector calculus.

Course Description

This module covers the basic concepts of special relativity and electromagnetic theory.

Syllabus

The law of inertia, the conservation of momentum. The speed of light, events in space-time. Time: the fundamental fact. The Lorentz transformations, velocity transformations. Minkowski space and 4-vectors. Relativistic dynamics of particles and photons. Electric charge, electric fields. Electric current, magnetic fields, the Lorentz force. Electromagnetic induction, Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic waves, plane waves. Relativistic formulation of Maxwell's equations.

Reading list

Recommended:

W. Rindler, Introduction to Special Relativity, Oxford, 1982. R. Dobbs, Basic Electromagnetism, Chapman and Hall, 1993.

Resources

Problem sheets, lecture rooms.

Module Evaluation

Module questionnaires, module review, year review.

Next: MA3011 Applied Numerical Mathematics Up: ModuleGuide03-04 Previous: MA2561 Mathematics with Management Group Project

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Last updated: 2004-02-21
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