Modern Electrodynamics

An engaging writing style and a strong focus on the physics make this comprehensive, graduate-level textbook unique among existing classical electromagnetism textbooks. Charged particles in vacuum and the electrodynamics of continuous media are given equal attention in discussions of electrostatics, magnetostatics, quasistatics, conservation laws, wave propagation, radiation, scattering, special relativity and field theory. Extensive use of qualitative arguments similar to those used by working physicists makes Modern Electrodynamics a must-have for every student of this subject. In 24 chapters, the textbook covers many more topics than can be presented in a typical two-semester course, making it easy for instructors to tailor courses to their specific needs. Close to 120 worked examples and 80 applications boxes help the reader build physical intuition and develop technical skill. Nearly 600 end-of-chapter homework problems encourage students to engage actively with the material. A solutions manual is available for instructors at www.cambridge.org/Zangwill.

Table of Contents:
1. Mathematical preliminaries; 2. The Maxwell equations; 3. Electrostatics; 4. Electric multipoles; 5. Conducting matter; 6. Dielectric matter; 7. Laplace's Equation; 8. Poisson's Equation; 9. Steady current; 10. Magnetostatics; 11. Magnetic multipoles; 12. Magnetic force and energy; 13. Magnetic matter; 14. Dynamic and quasistatic fields; 15. General electromagnetic fields; 16. Waves in vacuum; 17. Waves in simple matter; 18. Waves in dispersive matter; 19. Guided and confined waves; 20. Retardation and radiation; 21. Scattering and diffraction; 22. Special relativity; 23. Fields from moving charges; 24. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods; Appendixes; Index.

About the Author :
Andrew Zangwill is a Professor of Physics at Georgia Institute of Technology, with research interests in theoretical condensed matter physics. He is the author of the popular textbook Physics at Surfaces (Cambridge University Press, 1988) and has taught classical electromagnetism at the graduate and undergraduate levels for twenty years.

Review :
'An outstanding achievement on so many levels, including scope, depth, insight, pedagogy, and historical background. It will become an instant classic.' John D. Joannopoulos, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 'Zangwill's recreation of classical electromagnetic theory will surely become the standard text on the subject. His comprehensive and scholarly treatment clarifies subtle points that are often ignored or concealed.' Sir Michael Berry, University of Bristol 'I am happy to recommend this book. It is carefully and creatively organized, clearly written, and has many, many interesting problems to solve.' Gerald A. Miller, University of Washington 'This book richly deserves the word 'modern' in its title. Zangwill develops an intuitive picture of electrodynamics that will be a great resource for all.' Rob Phillips, California Institute of Technology 'I am impressed by the careful and thorough way this book addresses subtle questions like the behavior of electromagnetic fields in dielectric matter. It will be an essential resource for both researchers and teachers who are not willing to sweep this and other delicate issues under the rug.' Alain Aspect, Institut d'Optique and Ecole Polytechnique 'Zangwill has written an excellent graduate textbook, with a large number of carefully chosen problems and examples. Boxes describing interesting and quirky applications add color to the presentation and references to quantum mechanics and modern topics will surely engage students.' R. Merlin, University of Michigan 'This comprehensive textbook gives refreshing insights into classical electrodynamics, with emphasis on the physics without sacrificing mathematical rigor. I particularly like the numerous worked examples and sections on applications, which show the relevance of the topics to modern research. The problems, with comprehensive solutions for the busy instructor, will be excellent for students to get to grips with the material.' Shirley Chiang, University of California, Davis 'I enjoyed examining this handsome book, finding favorite topics described in fresh ways and learning about other topics. Zangwill's writing and mathematical demonstrations are crisp and to the point, and they generally complement each other well. Sprinkled throughout are various gems of historical and scientific interest.' Roy F. Schwitters, Physics Today '… clear and modern … very well structured … could make a hit in the textbook market and, more importantly, could have a serious impact on the future writing style of books on electromagnetics. This book is one of the best books about electrodynamics I have read, up to now. It greatly contributes to the development of physical understanding, is already used heavily within my research group, and is thus highly recommended.' Guy Vandenbosch, Radio Science Bulletin