There are four forces in our universe. Two act only at the very smallest scales and one only at the very biggest. For everything inbetween, there is electromagnetism. The theory of electromagnetism is described by four gloriously simple and beautiful vector calculus equations known as the Maxwell equations. These are the first genuinely fundamental equations that we meet in our physics education and they survive, essentially unchanged, in our best modern theories of physics. They also serve as a blueprint for what subsequent laws of physics look like. This textbook takes us on a tour of the Maxwell equations and their many solutions. It starts with the basics of electric and magnetic phenomena and explains how their unification results in waves that we call light. It then describes more advanced topics such as superconductors, monopoles, radiation, and electromagnetism in matter. The book concludes with a detailed review of the mathematics of vector calculus.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
'This is theoretical physics 'done right'. The author's love of the subject and its history, as well as its results, shines through. The definitions and derivations are clean, but never dry. For students of modern physical science, these volumes will be a rich source of instruction, insight - and joy.' Frank Wilczek, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 'David Tong is one of those physicists who comes along only rarely. He unrelentingly dives into all fields of physics, recognising the often underappreciated unity of the body of knowledge that exists. He is a master of technical detail along with the essential underlying physical principles. In this series he covers much of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum with clarity and humour, and I often find myself looking up his books or using his efforts to teach better myself.' Lisa Randall, Harvard University 'This is a wonderful set of textbooks. A dynamic and engaging introduction to theoretical physics with a very modern emphasis.' Juan Maldacena, Institute of Advanced Study, Princeton 'These books are an invaluable gift to physics students of all ages. It's probably impossible for a series of books to cover everything a physicist needs to know, but this is as close as you're going to get - all explained with David Tong's characteristic clarity and verve. I can't recommend them highly enough.' Sean Carroll, Johns Hopkins University, and author of Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity 'The books in this textbook series are destined to become classics and will be immensely popular among students and researchers alike. The writing is clear and accessible, and the style is engaging and witty. One cannot resist a comparison to the authoritative and deeply insightful set of books by Landau and Lifshitz. This series, aimed at an even broader audience, may well prove to be equally influential, establishing a 'theoretical minimum' to which all physicists should aspire. I cannot wait for the other volumes to appear.' Sandip Trivedi, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 'David Tong's series brilliantly combines deep physical understanding with masterful teaching. Delivering a thorough, wide-ranging, and current view of physics, it effectively updates Landau and Lifshitz's renowned Course of Theoretical Physics. This series is highly recommended as both excellent course material and an essential resource for students and advanced researchers, and I am confident it will achieve classic status.' Nathan Seiberg, Institute of Advanced Study, Princeton 'These volumes are brilliant gems, lovingly crafted in language that sparkles and enlightens. Moreover, the cross-referencing of topics, as well as the prefiguring of advanced concepts, allow students to appreciate the unity of theoretical physics in a way no individual textbook could. For the rest of us, the books rekindle the zing we felt when we first encountered these subjects, with numerous shiny new nuggets as a bonus. A Landau and Lifshitz for the twenty-first century, only more inviting and human this time.' Rajesh Gopakumar, International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bangalore
Reihe
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Für höhere Schule und Studium
Produkt-Hinweis
Illustrationen
Worked examples or Exercises
Maße
Höhe: 251 mm
Breite: 177 mm
Dicke: 22 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-009-59465-3 (9781009594653)
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Schweitzer Klassifikation
David Tong is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Trinity College. He is known for his contributions to quantum field theory and its application to diverse areas of physics, including particle physics, condensed matter, cosmology, and quantum gravity. His lecture notes on theoretical physics have gained a global following due to their clear explanations and easy-going, accessible style.
Autor*in
University of Cambridge
1. The Basics; 2. Electrostatics; 3. Magnetostatics; 4. Electrodynamics; 5. Electromagnetism and Relativity; 6. Classical Field Theory; 7. Electromagnetic Radiation; 8. Electromagnetism in Matter; Appendix A: Curves, Surfaces and Volumes; Appendix B: Grad, Div, and Curl; Appendix C: The Integral Theorems.
