The Classical Theory of Fields

The study of classical electromagnetic fields is an adventure. The theory is complete mathematically and we are able to present it as an example of classical Newtonian experimental and mathematical philosophy. There is a set of foundational experiments, on which most of the theory is constructed. And then there is the bold theoretical proposal of a field-field interaction from James Clerk Maxwell. 

This textbook presents the theory of classical fields as a mathematical structure based solidly on laboratory experiments. Here the student is introduced to the beauty of classical field theory as a gem of theoretical physics. To keep the discussion fluid, the history is placed in a beginning chapter and some of the mathematical proofs in the appendices. Chapters on Green’s Functions and Laplace’s Equation and a discussion of Faraday’s Experiment further deepen the understanding. The chapter on Einstein’s relativity is an integral necessity to the text. Finally, chapters on particlemotion and waves in a dispersive medium complete the picture. High quality diagrams and detailed end-of-chapter questions enhance the learning experience.

• Einstein Special Relativity
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Electromagnetic Waves Dispersive Media
• Textbook Electrodynamics
• Textbook Electrostatics
• Textbook Field Theory
• Textbook Helrich
• Textbook Magnetostatics

“This is a clearly written book covering wide domains of essential phenomena in electromagnetism offering detailed explanations of theoretical derivations and possible practical applications, which makes it a useful literature not only for graduate students but also for professional researchers in the field.” (Vladimir Čadež, zbMATH 1334.78003, 2016)

 “This book is a worthy attempt at explaining electromagnetism. It is recommended to students studying classical electrodynamics. A physicist who is a specialist in field theory will enjoy the discussions on subtle points of Maxwell-Lorentz electrodynamics. The book will certainly attract the interest of historians of physics.” (Yurij H. Yaremko, Mathematical Reviews, January, 2014)

• Goshen College, Goshen, USA

  Carl S. Helrich

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