Electrodynamics (414-1-1)

Instructors

Michael H Schmitt
847/467-6593
Technological Institute (2145 Sheridan Road), Room F-113, Evanston
Office Hours: Fridays, 12:00 - 15:00

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L221: Tues, Thurs 8:00AM - 9:20AM

Overview of class

This is the first quarter of a two-quarter class on Electrodynamics.
We will cover: Relativistic electrodynamics as a classical relativistic field theory and Least action principles for point particles, scalar fields, and vector fields. We will discuss symmetry principles, gauge invariance, the electromagnetic field tensor, covariant equations of electrodynamics and mechanics. We will understand the origin of the relativistic wave equation and its relationship to Green functions. We will close by discussing the Lienard-Wiechert potential and radiation.

Registration Requirements

Strongly recommended:

- undergraduate electrodynamics course at the level of Griffiths

- classical mechanics, including Lagrangian formalism

- undergraduate special relativity, at the level of Taylor & Wheeler

Learning Objectives

Understanding Classical Electrodynamics as a relativistic classical field theory. Consequences and applications, as well as related analytic and numerical techniques.

Class Materials (Required)

None.

Class Materials (Suggested)

The Classical Theory of Fields: Volume 2 (Course of Theoretical Physics Series), by L D Landau , E.M. Lifshitz
Previous Editions: Yes, any version
Online/eBook available: Yes
Price Range: $40-$90
Other Purchases: None

Modern Electrodynamics, by Andrew Zangwill
Previous Editions: Yes, any version
Online/eBook available: Yes
Price Range: $30-$80
Other Purchases: None

Classical Electromagnetism in a Nutshell, Anupam Garg
Previous Editions: Yes, any version
Online/eBook available: Yes
Price Range: $40-$85
Other Purchases: None

Modern Problems in Classical Electrodynamics, by Charles A. Brau
Previous Editions: Yes, any version
Online/eBook available: No
Price Range: $60-$260
Other Purchases: None

Classical Electrodynamics: Second Edition, by Julian Schwinger and Kimball Milton
Previous Editions: Yes, any version
Online/eBook available: No
Price Range: $80-$100
Other Purchases: None

Introduction to Electrodynamics, D.J. Griffiths Electricity and Magnetism (Berkeley Physics Course, Vol. 2), E M. Purcell
Previous Editions: Yes, any version
Online/eBook available: No
Price Range: $25
Other Purchases: None