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Introduction to Electromagnetic Theory and the Physics of Conducting Solids

  • Highlights the quantum aspects of electrical conduction in metals and semiconductors, presenting a unified view of the subject which combines classical Maxwell theory with quantum theory of atoms, molecules and solids

  • Offers a simple introduction to the mathematical aspects of Maxwell theory, thus preparing students for the challenges of more advanced courses in electrodynamics

  • The basic electromagnetic theory is supplemented with a number of solved problems that broaden students’ understanding of the fundamental principles

  • Suitable for self-study, but particularly useful as a tutorial companion for an intermediate-level course in electrodynamics

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xii
  2. The Physics of Conducting Solids

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Atoms, Molecules, and Crystals

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 3-21
    3. Electrical Conductivity of Solids

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 23-43
    4. Distribution of Energy

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 45-61
  3. Electromagnetic Fields and Waves

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 63-63
    2. Elements of Field Theory

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 65-77
    3. Static Electric Fields

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 79-103
    4. Electric Current

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 105-115
    5. Static Magnetic Fields

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 117-128
    6. Static Electric and Magnetic Fields in Matter

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 129-144
    7. Time-Dependent Electromagnetic Fields

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 145-178
    8. Electromagnetic Waves

      • Costas J. Papachristou
      Pages 179-233
  4. Back Matter

    Pages 235-246

About this book

This book consists of two parts. Part A (Chapters 1-3) is an introduction to the physics of conducting solids, while Part B (Chapters 4-10) is an introduction to the theory of electromagnetic fields and waves. 

The book is intended to introduce the student to classical electrodynamics and, at the same time, to explain in simple terms the quantum theory of conducting substances – in particular, the solid ones. Excessive mathematical proof is avoided as much as possible, in favor of pedagogical efficiency at an introductory level. The theory of vector fields is briefly discussed in a separate chapter, helping the student cope with the mathematical challenges of Maxwell's theory. 

The book serves as a primary source for a sophomore-level electromagnetics course in an electronics-oriented engineering program, but it can also be used as a secondary (tutorial) source for an intermediate-level course in electrodynamics for physicists and engineers. The content is based on the author’s lecture notes for his sophomore-level Physics course at the Hellenic Naval Academy.



Authors and Affiliations

  • Physical Sciences, Hellenic Naval Academy, Piraeus, Greece

    Costas J. Papachristou

About the author

Dr. Costas J. Papachristou is a senior faculty member at the Hellenic Naval Academy (The Naval Academy of Greece). He received a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from Brigham Young University, USA, and spent another year at BYU as a research faculty in Physics. At the HNA he teaches freshman- and sophomore-level Physics. His research interests are mainly in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics (in particular, symmetry and integrability properties of classical field equations, classical electromagnetism) but he is also active in Physics Education. He is an amateur musician and a columnist for Greek newspapers and magazines. 

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Introduction to Electromagnetic Theory and the Physics of Conducting Solids

  • Authors: Costas J. Papachristou

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30996-1

  • Publisher: Springer Cham

  • eBook Packages: Engineering, Engineering (R0)

  • Copyright Information: Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-30995-4Published: 27 November 2019

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-30998-5Published: 27 November 2020

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-30996-1Published: 13 November 2019

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XII, 246

  • Number of Illustrations: 96 b/w illustrations

  • Topics: Electrical Engineering, Classical Electrodynamics, Solid State Physics

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access