Advanced Classical Electromagnetism

Robert Wald offers a modern, mathematically precise introduction to classical electromagnetism, covering all core topics and updating the teaching of the subject with modern understanding. He begins with Maxwell's equations and discusses electrostatics, dielectrics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, radiation, diffraction, and special relativity, including electromagnetism as a gauge theory and a point charge.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Electromagnetism stands as a fundamental cornerstone of contemporary physics, and Robert Wald offers a comprehensive and mathematically rigorous introduction to this discipline for graduate students. This text encompasses all the core topics of electromagnetism while also ensuring that the teaching approach remains aligned with our modern understanding of the subject. Traditionally, electromagnetism is often taught in a quasi-historical manner, beginning with concepts formulated in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. However, this approach tends to perpetuate outdated notions about the theory. Wald begins by delving into Maxwell's equations, which form the foundation of electromagnetism. He then proceeds to explore various significant aspects of classical electromagnetism, including electrostatics, dielectrics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, radiation, diffraction, and special relativity. The latter two chapters specifically focus on electromagnetism as a gauge theory and the concept of a point charge, topics that are typically not addressed in standard electromagnetism textbooks.

By presenting electromagnetism from a modern, mathematically precise perspective, Wald aims to elucidate key conceptual ideas and results in a clear and concise manner. This text has been successfully employed in the classroom and has proven to be an invaluable resource for both students and instructors alike. It covers all the subjects typically found in standard electromagnetism textbooks, as well as additional topics such as the derivation of the initial value formulation for Maxwell's equations. Moreover, this book serves as an excellent supplementary text or for self-study purposes.

In conclusion, Robert Wald's Modern Approach to Classical Electromagnetism is a groundbreaking work that revolutionizes the way electromagnetism is taught to first-year graduate students. By offering a comprehensive and mathematically rigorous introduction, Wald ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the subject while also staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. This text is a must-read for anyone seeking to excel in electromagnetism and pursue a career in physics or related fields.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 183 x 260 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691220390