Entry requirements

Linear algebra and geometry I, Single variable calculus, Several variable analysis, Scientific Computing I, Mechanics.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be familiar with basic concepts within electromagnetism and wave physics to be able to:

• carry out electric and magnetic field calculations in certain basic geometries and with certain boundary conditions
• calculate static and time-dependent currents in basic circuits containing resistors, capacitors and inductors
• handle the most common electrical measurement instruments
• identify and describe the characteristics of wave motion both for propagating and standing waves, mechanical as well as electromagnetic
• describe and treat physical concepts within acoustics and geometrical optics
• make basic calculations on interference- and diffraction phenomena when the wave source is coherent and be able to describe applications of these in everyday life

Content

Electromagnetism and Wave Physics constitutes a basis for continued studies in physics, electrical engineering and materials science and include:

• Electrostatics: electric charge and fields electric potential, electric dipole Gauss law. Capacitors, electrostatic energy.
• Electric current: Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, RC circuits.
• Magnetic fields and forces. Overview of magnetic materials.
• Electromagnetic induction: Inductance. LR-circuits.
• Alternating current: Impedances with phase shifts over RLC-components. Alternating current power. The ideal transformer. Overview of three-phase electric power and electrical safety.
• Basic concepts for mechanical/acoustic waves: phase and group velocity, superposition, propagating and standing waves, wave beating, doppler effect.
• Electromagnetic waves and optics: Reflection, refraction, dispersion. Geometrical optics, optical instruments. Polarisation. Interference and diffraction.

Laboratory work:

• Electrical measurement techniques and measuring instruments.
• Capacitor experiments.
• Induction.
• Alternating current.
• Polarisation.
• Beam optics.
• Wave optics.

Projects with electrical applications

Instruction

Lectures, problem solving sessions and laboratory work. Projects.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the different parts of the course: Electromagnetism (4 HE credits), Wave Physics (2 HE credits). Laboratory work: Electromagnetism (1.5+1.5 HE credits), Wave Physics (1 HE credits). The final grade is based on laboratory reports and written assignments form together with the written examinations.