Mathematical Physics 3 (VS1) (U03506)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PHY-3-VS1MP3

Tensors & Fields. This course provides an introduction to tensors and their uses in physics. Topics covered include: vectors, bases, determinants and the index notation; the general theory of Cartesian tensors; rotation and reflection tensors; various applications including elasticity theory - stress and strain tensors; orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, grad, div and curl; the divergence and Stokes' theorem, Laplacians; delta functions; applications to electromagnetism: scalar potential theory, e.g. Gauss's Law, dipoles, multipole expansions, solutions of Laplace's & Poisson's equations.

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U03233

? Pre-requisites : Year 2 Physics and Mathematics.

? Prohibited combinations : Tensors & Fields (pre-2006)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	12:00	KB
Lecture	Thursday	11:10	12:00	KB

? Additional Class Information : Workshop/tutorial sessions, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
1)be confident with index notation, Einstein convention
2)have knowledge of matrices and determinants and derive vector identities
3)understand meaning and significance of tensors and application to simple physical situations
4)understand and manipulate various orthogonal curvilinear coords
5)be familiar with divergence and Stokes' theorem
6)appreciate Dirac delta fn.
7)understand the meaning of a field and potential
8)solve potential theory problems
9)solve new proble