F4082 Electrodynamics and relativity theory

Faculty of Science
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Michael Krbek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Michael Krbek, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Michael Krbek, Ph.D.
Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Supplier department: Department of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics – Physics Section – Faculty of Science
Prerequisites
Basic linear algebra: operations with vectors and matrices, linear maps. Basic calculus: differential and integral calculus with one and several variables. Differential operators gradient, curl and divergence.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
The second part of the small course of theoretical physics will acquaint the students with the special theory of relativity, electrodynamics and optics.
Learning outcomes
Understanding of the workings of special relativity theory: relativity of simultaneity; lengths' contraction; time dilation; twins' paradox.
Understanding of the basics of electrodynamics: derivation of Maxwell equations; electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum and simple materials; variable electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic waves; geometric optics as an approximation of Maxwell equations.
Ability to explain some applications: waveguides; antennas.
Syllabus
  • Special theory of relativity 1. Axioms of special relativity and their consequences; 2. Relativistic kinematics; twin paradox; 3. Relativistic dynamics; movement of charged particle in constant fields.
  • Elektrodynamika: 4. Maxwell equations, their derivation and consequences; 5. Electrostatics and magnetostatics: Coulomb law, Biot-Savart law; simple materials; 6. Varying electromagnetic fields; 7. Electromagnetic waves; the wave equation, its solutions and their significance; 8. Optics; eikonal equation, geometric optics; 9. Aplications: circuits, waveguides and antennas.
Literature
    recommended literature
  • KREY, Uwe and Anthony OWEN. Basic Theoretical Physics. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer, 2007. ISBN 978-3-540-36804-5. info
  • LANDAU, Lev Davidovič and Jevgenij Michajlovič LIFŠIC. Úvod do teoretickej fyziky. 1. vyd. Bratislava: Alfa, 1982, 357 s. info
  • LANDAU, Lev Davidovič and Jevgenij Michajlovič LIFŠIC. Úvod do teoretickej fyziky 1. Mechanika. Elektrodynamika. první. Bratislava: Alfa, 1980. info
    not specified
  • WALECKA, John Dirk. Introduction to Modern Physics. Theoretical Foundations. World Scientific, 2008. ISBN 978-981-281-225-4. info
Teaching methods
Reading lectures and follow-up explanation of provided lecture notes based on student questions, problem solving
Assessment methods
Homework collected one week before the oral examination, two written exams: in the middle and at the end of the semester. Final oral examination in the form of discussion over the homework.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
Teacher's information
http://www.physics.muni.cz/~krbek/strel.shtml
It is required to solve problems totaling at least 100 points. The problems are included in the lecture notes, sometimes with solutions, sometimes with solution hints. The finding of mistakes/unclear passages in the lecture notes and a possible remedy proposal are rewarded with up to 10 points. The problems solved by the students serve as a basis of discussion at the oral examination. There will be two written exams during the semester: one in the middle of the semester the other at the end of the semester. The results will be also taken into consideration for determining the final grade.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2019, Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024.
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