PX1221: Electricity, Magnetism and Waves
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX1221 |
External Subject Code | 100425 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Professor Jonathan Davies |
Semester | Spring Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
- To introduce the mathematical language of waves to describe wave formation, wave propagation and interference and diffraction.
- To examine matter at an atomic level to give insight into crystal bonding and the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of matter.
- To introduce concepts of electrostatics, of magnetic fields associated with currents and of electromagnetic induction to provide a firm foundation for the study of electromagnetism in Year 2.
- To provide insight into forced vibration and resonance through examples of AC theory and mechanical analogues.
- To give instruction and practice in solving physics problem.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Distinguish between different wave types and describe wave and energy propagation mathematically in one or more dimensions.
- Apply boundary conditions to wave equations to determine the formation of standing waves in strings and pipes and explain refraction.
- Demonstrate an understanding of interference and diffraction, including crystal diffraction.
- Describe the distinguishing features between conductors, insulators and semiconductors.
- Discuss phase changes in matter.
- Describe the origin and nature of the various forces and fields associated with static and moving charges.
- Recall the basic laws of electromagnetism and use integration methods to apply Coulomb’s law and the Biot-Savart law to complex systems of charges or circuits.
- Derive basic equations for free and forced oscillations of damped electrical and mechanical systems using both real and complex notation.
How the module will be delivered
Teaching methods: 44 contact hours including lectures, exercises and problem-solving sessions.
Feedback: marked Exercises and tutorials.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Mathematics.
Problem solving.
Investigative skills.
Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Assessment: Examination 60%. Coursework 40%. [Examination duration: 3 hours]
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Spring Semester | 60 | Electricity, Magnetism And Waves | 3 |
Written Assessment | 40 | Electricity, Magnetism And Waves | N/A |
Syllabus content
Waves: Classification of waves. One-dimensional non-dispersive waves. D’Alembert’s solution. Harmonic waves: wavelength, frequency, period, wavenumber and propagation vector. Derivation of the wave equation for transverse waves on a string. Energy density and power flow in a travelling wave.
Refraction and dispersion: Plane waves at boundaries. Refraction and Snell’s laws. Refracting optics. Dispersion.
Superposition: Beats. Longitudinal waves in solids and sound waves. Sound intensity. Spherical waves and the inverse square law. Standing waves. Interference and diffraction. Examples.
Waves and matter: Light interaction with matter and elementary spectroscopy (Bohr theory). Diffraction studies of solids, leading to atoms, bonding and crystal structure.
Electronic properties of matter: Electrical properties of materials – conductors, insulators and semiconductors. Free electrons, energy bands and band gaps. Semiconductor doping and the pn junction.
Coulomb’s and Gauss’s Laws: Electric charge and Coulomb’s law. E and V fields. Field lines and forces. Electric flux. Gauss’ law. Examples of charge distributions, including sphere and line.
Capacitance: Electric potential, potential difference, relationship between E and V. Electric energy and energy density. Capacitance. Dielectrics. Energy stored on a capacitor. Capacitance of sphere and coaxial cable.
Electricity and magnetism: Conductivity, resistivity and resistance. Electrical power. Magnetic effects of current-carrying wires. Magnetic field lines, flux and Lorenz force. Biot-Savart law and applications. Torque on a current loop.
Electromagnetic induction: Faraday’s law and electromagnetic induction. Mutual and self inductance. Inductors.
AC Theory: Circuit elements: R, C and L. RMS. Power factors. LCR circuits. Rotating vector and complex-exponential representation. Phasor diagrams.
Resonance: Damped free vibrations. Light, heavy and critical damping. Quality factor. Forced vibration. Response functions: displacement amplitude and phase as a function of frequency. Absorbed power. Steady-state and transient solutions. Electrical and mechanical analogues.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Principles of Physics (Extended Version), Halliday, Resnick and Walker (Wiley)
Background Reading and Resource List
Not applicable.