Cadiz F. Classical Electrodynamics. Fundamentals and Applications 2025

Textbook in PDF format

Classical electrodynamics is a cornerstone of physics and engineering education. Its principles underpin a vast array of technologies and serve as a foundation for advanced topics such as quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and relativity. This textbook aims to provide a unified treatment of classical electrodynamics and its applications, incorporating mathematical rigour, clear explanations of symmetry and invariance principles, and concrete connections to modern technologies. Each chapter is enriched with illustrations of contemporary applications, from the working principles of touchscreens, particle accelerators, 3D glasses and liquid crystal displays to medical imaging technologies like MRI. These real-world examples ground the theory in practical contexts and also inspire readers to see the relevance of electromagnetism in everyday life. Additionally, brief notes are provided on the most influential scientists who shaped the laws and principles discussed. Numerous fully solved exercises are available at the end of each chapter to deepen the knowledge. An ideal companion for any undergraduate and graduate course on this subject.
Preface.
Coulomb’s Law, Electric Field, and the Superposition Principle.
Gauss’s Law and Symmetry Properties.
Electric Potential, Electrostatic Energy, and the Circulation Law.
Conductors at Equilibrium and Poisson’s Equation.
Capacitors.
The Field in Dielectric Media.
Electric Currents, Ohm’s Law and Electrical Networks.
Magnetostatics, Biot–Savart Law.
Ampère’s Law and Magnetic Dipole.
The Origin of Magnetism in Matter.
Electromagnetic Induction, Faraday’s Law and Magnetic Energy.
Circuits in Transient Regimes.
Maxwell’s Equations, Electromagnetic Waves and Light.
Electromagnetic Waves in Matter, Polarizers and Wave Plates.
The Laws of Reflection and Refraction.
Interferences and Coherence.
Geometrical Optics.
Diffraction.
Electromagnetic Radiation.
Special Relativity and Covariant Electrodynamics.
Appendix A.
Solutions.
Index