"Electricity and Magnetism, 3rd Edition" by Edward M. Purcell and David J. Morin
Overview
This classic textbook, "Electricity and Magnetism, 3rd Edition" by Edward M. Purcell and David J. Morin, offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism. Published in 2013, the third edition updates the content and utilizes SI units throughout.
Key Themes
- Electrostatics: Properties of electric charges, electric fields, and potential
- Magnetism: Magnetic fields, forces on moving charges, and magnetic materials
- Circuits: Electric current, resistance, capacitance, and inductance
- Electromagnetic Waves: Properties and generation of electromagnetic waves, including light
- Materials and Fields: How electric and magnetic fields interact with matter
Features
- Rigorous development of concepts from fundamental physics principles
- Clear explanations alongside hundreds of illustrative examples and figures
- Real-world applications to enhance understanding
- Nontraditional approach, deriving magnetism from a relativistic perspective (unique to this text)
- Nearly 600 end-of-chapter problems to solidify student comprehension
Target Audience
- First and second-year undergraduate students in physics or engineering programs taking introductory courses in electricity and magnetism
- Students with a strong foundation in calculus and basic physics concepts
Strengths
- Up-to-date content using SI units
- Clear and engaging writing style
- Strong emphasis on problem-solving skills through extensive exercises
- Incorporation of real-life applications to solidify understanding
Chapter Headlines (Examples may vary)
- Electrostatics and Coulomb's Law
- Electric Field and Potential
- Conductors, Insulators, and Dielectrics
- Magnetostatics and the Biot-Savart Law
- Magnetic Fields of Moving Charges
- Faraday's Law of Induction
- Maxwell's Equations
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Electric and Magnetic Fields in Matter
Closing Paragraph
"Electricity and Magnetism, 3rd Edition" serves as a valuable resource for students seeking a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism. The text's clear explanations, problem-solving focus, and incorporation of real-world applications equip students with a solid foundation for further study in electromagnetism and its many applications across various scientific and engineering disciplines.