OPT-003 · Introduction to optics and electromagnetic waves Sample material

Electromagnetic waves. Maxwell's equations

Maxwell's system of equations, the wave equation and the plane electromagnetic wave, properties and spectrum of electromagnetic waves, the electromagnetic nature of light and its speed in vacuum and in a medium.

Estimated time: 2 h 10 min 3 activities

Learning objective

Understand the physical meaning of Maxwell's equations and the role of the displacement current.
Learn to derive the wave equation from Maxwell's equations.
Master the properties and parameters of a plane electromagnetic wave.
Know the electromagnetic spectrum and the electromagnetic nature of light.

Expected outcomes

Writes down Maxwell's equations and explains the meaning of each.
Finds the frequency, wavelength, speed and amplitudes from the equation of a plane wave.
Calculates the speed and wavelength of light in a medium from $\varepsilon$, $\mu$ and $n$.
Distinguishes the ranges of electromagnetic waves by wavelength.

Interactive modelElectromagnetic wave

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 55 min · required
Problem solving on the topic “Electromagnetic waves. Maxwell's equations”
Practice · 55 min · required
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Problem solving on the topic “Electromagnetic waves. Maxwell's equations”
  • Final test — at least 70%