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PHAS0025 (PHAS2246) – Mathematical Methods 3 (Term 1)

Prof Matthew Wing and Prof Jon Butterworth


Prerequisites
In order to take this course, students should have studied the material in the precursor
PHAS0002 mathematics course and preferably also some of that in PHAS0009, though this
is not a necessary prerequisite.
Description
This module aims to provide students with understanding of some advanced mathematical
methods, and further experience and skills in mathematical manipulation and problem
solving. Topics include: Partial Differential Equations, Series solution of Second-order
Ordinary Differential Equations, Legendre Functions, Fourier Analysis, Lagrangian and
Hamiltonian Mechanics and Special Relativity.
Aims
This course aims to
• Provide the remaining mathematical foundations for all the second and third year
compulsory Physics and Astronomy courses
• Prepare students for the second semester Mathematics option MATH6202
• Give students practice in mathematical manipulation and problem solving at second-year
level
Learning Outcomes
The PHAS0002, PHAS0009, and PHAS0025 syllabuses together cover all the mathematical
requirements of the compulsory Physics and Astronomy courses. The major areas treated in
PHAS0025 are of special relevance to Quantum Mechanics and the applications of this to
many other topics, including condensed matter, atomic, molecular, and particle physics. At
the end of each section of the course, students should be able to appreciate when to use a
particular technique to solve a given problem and be able to carry out the relevant
calculations.
For Partial Differential Equations, students should be able to:
• Learn the classification of partial differential equations (PDEs).
• Apply the separation of variable methods to solving PDEs.
• Use the separation of variable methods to solve separable 2-, 3-, and 4-dimensional
PDEs.
• Apply this method to solve the Laplace equation using Cartesian, polar spherical
coordinates.
• Apply multidimensional boundary conditions to the solution of PDEs.

For Series solution of Second-order Ordinary Differential Equations, students should be able
to:
• Solve second-order ordinary differential equations (ODE) using Frobenius method
• Evaluate singular point of ODE; Define and solve the corresponding indicial equation
• Obtain the range of convergence by applying the D’Alembert test

For Legendre Functions, students should be able to:


• Solve the Legendre differential equation by series method and find the
conditions necessary for a polynomial solution
• Derive and apply the generating function and recurrence relations for Legendre
polynomials
• Employ the orthogonality relation of Legendre polynomials to develop functions
as series of such polynomials
• Manipulate spherical harmonics up to l = 2

In Fourier Analysis, students should be able to:


• Derive the formulae for the expansion coefficients for real and complex Fourier series
• Make analyses using sinusoidal and complex functions for both periodic and
non- periodic functions and be aware of possible convergence problems
• Understand the possible complications when differentiating or integrating Fourier
series
• Use Parseval’s identity to deduce the values of some infinite series
• Derive the formulae for the expansion coefficients for real and complex
Fourier transforms
• Perform Fourier transforms of a variety of functions and derive and use Dirac delta
functions
• Apply the convolution theorem to physical problems

Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics:


• Choose an appropriate set of generalised coordinates to obtain a Lagrangian of a
dynamical system. Derive and solve the corresponding equations of motion.
• Apply a variational principle to solve simple problems.
• Obtain generalised momenta and thus the Hamiltonian of a dynamical system.
Derive and solve the equations of motion in Hamiltonian form.

For Special Theory of Relativity, students should be able to:


• Understand the derivation of, and be able to use, Lorentz transformation equations in
the special theory of relativity.
• Apply the Lorentz transformations to the space-time and momentum-energy four
vectors.
• Apply relativistic kinematics to high energy particle physics, so as to treat the
Doppler effect for photons and determine the threshold energy for pair-production in
different frames of reference.

Methodology:
This course is delivered via approximately 30 hours of lectures, supplemented by 8 hours of
problem solving tutorial (PSTs), and additional discussion. There is a revision lecture in
Term 3.
Feedback and Assessment:
Final assessment is by 2 In-Course-Assessments (ICAs) taken as coursework during the
term (10%), and a final written examination (90%).
Feedback will be provided through Moodle resources including model solutions to homework
problems, discussion during PSTs and in class, and through return of ICAs.
Students are requested to complete an anonymous course evaluation in the second half of
term. These evaluation results and any other issues raised will be discussed at the
Departmental Teaching Committee (DTC) and Staff Student Consultative Committee
(SSCC).
Textbooks
A book which covers most of this and the first-year PHAS0002 and PHAS0009 mathematics
courses is Mathematical Method for Physics & Engineering, Riley, Hobson & Bence – C.U.P.
This book will also be of use in the MATH6202 option given in the second semester. From a
more advanced standpoint Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences, by Mary Boas
(Wiley) is recommended.

Syllabus
(The approximate allocation of lectures to topics is shown in brackets below)
Partial Differential Equations [5 hrs]
Superposition principle for linear homogeneous partial differential equations; Separation of
variables in Cartesian coordinates; Boundary conditions; One-dimensional wave equation;
Derivation of Laplace's equation in spherical polar coordinates; Separation of variables in
spherical polar coordinates; the Legendre differential equation; Solutions of degree zero.

Series solution of Second-order Ordinary Differential Equations [5 hrs]


Series solutions: harmonic oscillator as an example; Ordinary and singular points; Radius of
convergence; Frobenius method; Fuchs’ theorem; Applications to second-order differential
equations.

Legendre Functions [5 hrs]


Application of the Frobenius method to the Legendre equation; Range of convergence,
Quantisation of the l index; Generating function for Legendre polynomials; Recurrence
relations; Orthogonality of Legendre functions; Expansion in series of Legendre
polynomials; Solution of Laplace's equation for a conducting sphere; Associated Legendre
functions; Spherical harmonics

Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics [4 hrs]


The Lagrangian and Lagrange's equation; Variation of Action; The Euler-Lagrange
equations; Variational Principles; From the Lagrangian to the Hamiltonian; Derivation of
Hamilton’s equations.

Fourier Analysis [5 hrs]


Fourier series; Periodic functions; Derivation of basic formulae; Simple applications;
Differentiation and integration of Fourier series; Parseval's identity; Complex Fourier
series; Fourier transforms; Derivation of basic formulae and simple applications; Dirac
delta function; Convolution theorem.

Special Theory of Relativity [9 hrs]


Implications of Galilean transformation for the speed of light Michelson-Morley experiment;
Einstein’s postulates; Derivation of the Lorentz transformation equations and the Lorentz
transformation matrix; length contraction, time dilation, addition law of velocities,
“paradoxes”; Four-vectors and invariants; Transformation of momentum and energy;
Invariant mass; Conservation of four-momentum; Doppler effect for photons, threshold
energy for pair production, the headlight effect.

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