COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Theory of classical electromagnetic phenomena, including time-dependent and static solutions of
Maxwell's equations, radiation theory and relativistic electrodynamics. A key goal of this course
is to reach a full relativistic Lagrangian formalism, and to use this with Noether's theorem to
establish essential symmetries and conservation principles.
INSTRUCTOR:
Professor Fulvio Melia
OFFICE HOURS: MW 2:00-3:00 pm in
PAS 439
and most other times (but call 977-8269 or e-mail fmelia@arizona.edu
first to make sure I'm in)
LECTURES: Mondays, Wednesdays, 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm.
HOMEWORK SOLUTIONS:
Homework # 1: Solutions
Homework # 2: Solutions
Homework # 3: Solutions
Homework # 4: Solutions
Homework # 5: Solutions
TEXTBOOKS:
Melia, F., Electrodynamics
Jackson, J. D., Classical Electrodynamics
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- 1. Students will demonstrate a familiarity with special relativity.
- 2. Students will be able to derive and solve the Euler-Lagrange equations for the electromagnetic field.
- 3. Students will be able to apply multipole expansions to solve for the angular and temporal distributions of
radiation fields.
- 4. Students will be able to set up and solve equations describing the radiation produced by simple source geometries.
- 5. Students will understand the limitations of classical field theory due to acausal behavior produced by radiation
damping.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES RELATED TO THIS SYLLABUS:
Follow this link:
https://academicaffairs.arizona.edu/syllabus-policies
SUBJECT TO CHANGE NOTICE:
Information contained in this course syllabus, other than the grade and absence policies,
may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the
instructor of this course.
TOPICS COVERED DURING THE SEMESTER:
1. LAGRANGIAN FORMULATION OF MAXWELL'S EQUATIONS
- 1.1 Action Principles in Classical Field Theories
- 1.2 The Field Lagrangian and Noether's Theorem
2. ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES AND RADIATION
- 2.1 Electromagnetic waves
- 2.2 Polarization and Stokes's parameters
- 2.3 Reflection and refraction
- 2.4 Time harmonic fields in matter
- 2.5 Wave guides
3. MULTIPOLE FIELDS AND COLLISIONS BETWEEN CHARGED PARTICLES
- 3.1 Multipole Fields
- 3.2 Collisions Between Charges
4. RADIATIVE MOTION OF A POINT CHARGE
- 4.1 Radiative reaction
- 4.2 Bremsstrahlung
- 4.3 Radiation Damping
5. SUPERLUMINAL SOURCES
- 5.1 Beamed blackhole jets
PROBLEM SCHEDULE:
- Homework 1: Relativistic Electromagnetism (due Wednesday, September 17)
- Homework 2: Electromagnetic Waves and Radiation (due Wednesday, October 8)
- Homework 3: Reflection and refraction (due Wednesday, October 22)
- Homework 4: Multipole fields and collisions (due Wednesday, November 19)
- Homework 5: Radiative motion (due Wednesday, December 10)
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
- Problems (20%)
- First written, Wednesday, October 15 (20%)
- Second written, Wednesday, November 19 (20%)
- Written Final, Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, December 13, takehome. (40%)
GRADING SCALE:
Grades will be assigned according to the scale shown below.
A 85-100%
B 70-85%
C 60-70%
D 50-60%
E <50%
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