Electrodynamics

by Chaichian, Masud

• ISBN13: 9783642173806
• ISBN10: 3642173802
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2017-04-14
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

Why a new book on Electrodynamics, since there are so many, some of them being excellent? The answer refers to the method of exposure, the suitably selected applications and exercises, and last but not least, the extremely useful fact that Electrodynamics can by approached by an axiomatic way, starting with a few fundamental principles and arriving at electrostatics, Maxwell's equations, magnetofluid-dynamics etc., as particular cases. This book is addressed both to undergraduate and graduate students who have Physics as a major discipline. Since any general course in Physics should contain at least a chapter regarding the theory of electromagnetic field, it may also be used by those students and researchers studying Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Chemistry, as well as Astrophysics and Astronomy.A general survey on applicability of theoretical physics shows that only few theories can be compared to Electrodynamics. Practically, almost all electric and electronic devices used all around the World are based on the electromagnetic field theory and phenomena. This theory presents a peculiar beauty and an amazing harmony, which fully confirm the well-known phrase : the great truths are simple. By its exceptional achievements, Electrodynamics was the first theory that opened the way to solving one of the ambitious aims of physics, a Unified Field Theory. Indeed, it was Maxwell who performed, for the first time, a unified concept of electric and magnetic fields in his electromagnetic field theory. The mathematical formalism used to describe electromagnetic phenomena is not very complicated. That is why Maxwell's equations can be written in various forms, so that they can also be used in the Special and General Relativity applications. Chronologically, the electromagnetic field was also the first quantized field (Dirac, 1927). This fact opened the way to the birth of the most powerful theories in all branches of physics, i. e. the Quantum Electrodynamics and in general Quantum Field Theory. The present textbook is an outcome of the authors' teaching experience and lectures given over many years in different countries and for different students studying diverse fields of physics and related subjects. The authors believe that the reader will not only get information, but will master the subject and understand the beauty of the field. A set of about 130 solved and proposed problems will help to attain this purpose and to make the book a comprehensive and useful tool for students and researchers.