An introduction to electrodynamics / P. A. Davidson

Includes bibliographical references and index

1. Vector Calculus -- 2. The Physical Signatures of Three Important Partial Differential Equations -- 3. A Bird's Eye View of Electromagnetism -- 4. The Foundations of Electrostatics -- 5. Solving for Electrostatic Fields, the Multipole Expansion and Electrostatic Energy -- 6. Dielectrics -- 7. Magnetostatics I: The Magnetic Field, Ampère's Law and the Biot-Savart Law -- 8. Magnetostatics II: Dipoles, Force Distributions and Energy -- 9. Magnetic Fields in Matter -- 10. Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction -- 11. Quasi-Static Magnetic Fields: Magnetic Energy and Inductance -- 12. Transient and AC Circuits -- 13. Static Versus Dynamic Fields: Maxwell's Equations -- 14. Confined Waves: Transmission Lines, Waveguides and Resonant Cavities -- 15. Maxwell's Equations in Free Space I: the Propagation of Waves -- 16. Maxwell's Equations in Free Space II: Radiation -- 17. Maxwell's Equations in Free Space III: the Fields of Moving Charges -- 18. Maxwell's Equations in Dielectric and Magnetic Materials -- 19. Plane Waves in Stationary Dielectrics and Conductors -- 20. Magnetoydrodynamics I: Governing Equations and Kinematic Theorems -- 21. Magnetohydrodynamics II: Fusion Plasmas, Alfven Waves, Planetary Dynamos and Stellar Magnetism -- 22. An Introduction to Special Relativity -- 23. Electromagnetism and Special Relativity

"An Introduction to Electrodynamics provides an excellent foundation for those undertaking a course on electrodynamics, providing an in-depth yet accessible treatment of topics covered in most undergraduate courses, but goes one step further to introduce advanced topics in applied physics, such as fusions plasmas, stellar magnetism and planetary dynamos. Some of the central ideas behind electromagnetic waves, such as three-dimensional wave propagation and retarded potentials, are first explored in the introductory background chapters and explained in the much simpler context of acoustic waves. The inclusion of two chapters on magnetohydrodynamics provides the opportunity to illustrate the basic theory of electromagnetism with a wide variety of physical applications of current interest. The dynamic and engaging style of this textbook is underpinned by the emphasis on the pedagogical development of ideas throughout. In addition, the many detailed illustrations and well-chosen exercises complement the material and encourage understanding and test student development."--Back cover