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MAU34402 Classical electrodynamics

This module is examined in a 2-hour examination at the end of Semester 2.
Continuous assessment contributes 20% towards the overall mark.
The module is passed if the overall mark for the module is 40% or more. If the overall mark for the module is less than 40% and there is no possibility of compensation, the module will be reassessed as follows:
1) A failed exam in combination with passed continuous assessment will be reassessed by an exam in the supplemental session;
2) The combination of a failed exam and failed continuous assessment is reassessed by the supplemental exam;
3) A failed continuous assessment in combination with a passed exam will be reassessed by one or more summer assignments in advance of the supplemental session.
Capping of reassessments applies to Theoretical Physics (TR035) students enrolled in this module. See full text at https://www.tcd.ie/teaching-learning/academic-affairs/ug-prog-award-regs/derogations/by-school.php Select the year and scroll to the School of Physics.

11 weeks of teaching with 3 lectures per week.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to

translate between Maxwell equations in 3-vector notation and their Lorentz covariant formulation
Derive the wave equations that follow from the Maxwell equations, for electric and magnetic fields, and the 4-vector potential in Lorentz gauge.
Describe how to find the Fourier transform of a Green function and hence evaluate it for the d'Alembert operator.
Use the retarded Green function to solve the Maxwell equations for electromagnetic fields.
Describe electromagnetic radiation in terms of plane waves and their polarization, both for the physical fields and their complexified version.
Explain the concepts of electromagnetic potential and that of retarded time for charges undergoing acceleration.
Analyse simple radiating systems, in which the electric dipole, magnetic dipole or electric quadrupole dominate.
determine the energy loss of simple radiating systems.
Use Maxwell's equation to determine the behaviour of electromagnetic waves at interfaces in linear dielectrics.
determine the enery transport in e.m. waves

Lorentz covariance, Maxwell equations in 4-vector notation.
Wave equations following from the Maxwell equations;
Solving Maxwell's equations using Green's functions.
Electromagnetic waves, radiation generated by a general source, dipole approximation.
Liénard-Wiechert potential; velocity, acceleration fields of moving point charge.
Larmor formula for radiated power; Linear & circular motion; angular distribution of relativistic radiation.
Maxwell equations in medium (linear dielectrics);
Electromagnetic waves in medium, polarization, behaviour at interfaces, laws of geometric optics as a consequence of Maxwell's equations, energy transport in electromagnetic waves.