Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism

Description

These lectures provide an introduction to a subject that together with classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and modern physics lies at the heart of today's physics curriculum. This introduction to electricity and magnetism, aimed at the very best students, assumes only a good course in calculus, and familiarity with vectors and Newton's laws; it is otherwise self-contained. Furthermore, these lectures, although relatively concise, take one from Coulomb's law to Maxwell's equations and special relativity in a lucid and logical fashion. An extensive set of accessible problems enhances and extends the coverage. Review chapters spaced throughout the text summarize the material. Clear departure points for further study are indicated along the way. The principles of electromagnetism, as synthesized in Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force, have such an astonishing range of applicability. A good introduction to this subject, even at the cost of some repetition, allows one to approach the many more advanced texts and monographs with better understanding and a deeper sense of appreciation that both students and teachers can share alike. Preface Contents Electricity 1. Introduction 2. Coulomb’s Law 3. The Electric Field 4. Gauss’ Law 5. The Electrostatic Potential 6. Electric Energy 7. Capacitors and Dielectrics 8. Currents and Ohm’s Law 9. DC Circuits 10. Review of Electricity Magnetism 11. Vectors 12. The Magnetic Force and Field 13. Ampere’s Law 14. Electromagnetic Induction 15. Magnetic Materials 16. Time-Dependent Circuits 17. Review of Magnetism Electromagnetism 18. Maxwell’s Equations 19. Waves 20. Electromagnetic Waves 21. More Electromagnetic Waves 22. The Theory of Special Relativity 23. Review of Electromagnetism 24. Problems Appendix A Significant Names in Electricity and Magnetism Appendix B Fundamental Constants Bibliography Index