SK1117 Electromagnetism and Waves 7.5 credits
This is a fundamental course in physics. We cover electric and magnetic fields, plus wave motion in the form of acoustics and optics. The course has both theoretical and experimental parts.
Choose semester and course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Application
For course offering
Spring 2025 Start 17 Mar 2025 programme students
Application code
61042
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Basic wave concept. Mechanical waves and acoustics. Sound intensity and sound intensity level.
Interference. Electricity: field strength and potential, Gauss's therorem, metals and dielectrics, capacitor, electrostatic energy. Technical applications. Electromagnetic induction. Basic wave concept. Mechanical waves and acoustics. Electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic waves: Generation, polarization, interference and diffraction, technical applications. The laser. Coherence. Basic geometric optics.
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to:
- solve technical problems relevant to its program related to electric and magnetic fields, mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and assess the solution's reasonableness
- use physical measurement methods and instruments as well as report results and evaluate limitations
By "physical" is meant the part of physics that is included in the course content below.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Active participation in SF1625 Calculus in One Variable and SG1120 Mechanics I.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
Young and Freedman: University Physics, Pearson (aktuell upplaga anslås på kursens hemsida senast fyra veckor innan kursstart).
Young and Freedman: University Physics, Pearson (current edition is posted on the course's homepage no later than four weeks before the course starts).
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- INL1 - Home tasks, 1.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- LAB1 - Laboratory work, 2.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TENA - Exam, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
To pass the course, all three examination parts must be approved (INL1, LAB1, TENA).
The grade on the exam (TENA) gives the grade for the entire course.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Yes
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.