Working from electromagnetism to circuit theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between electromagnetic theory and circuit theory, specifically whether circuit theory can be viewed as a special case of electromagnetic theory. Participants are interested in how to apply electromagnetic principles to better understand circuits and seek resources that address this connection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using electromagnetic theory as a foundational perspective to analyze circuits before applying Kirchhoff's laws.
  • Another participant notes that Kirchhoff's rules can be derived from energy conservation laws, implying a connection to broader physical principles.
  • A third participant recommends specific educational resources, including the Berkeley course on physics and Feynman's lectures, which may provide insights into deriving circuit laws from Maxwell's equations.
  • One participant mentions that electrical engineers often apply these concepts in fields like antenna theory and waveguides, indicating practical applications of the theoretical framework.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express interest in the connection between electromagnetic theory and circuit theory, but there is no consensus on the best approach or resources. Multiple viewpoints are presented regarding the applicability of electromagnetic principles to circuit analysis.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the foundational principles of electromagnetism and circuit theory may not be fully articulated, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of these relationships.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the theoretical underpinnings of circuit theory, electromagnetic theory, and their interconnections, as well as those seeking educational resources on these topics.

vr
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Hi,
Are there ways to use/reduce electromagnetic theory to understand circuit theory better? ie use circuit theory as a special case of em theory? if so can you suggest books which do it this way?
basically my idea is to look at any circuit from the general point of view - using the physics of em theory and the equations first ( and then reduce it to Kirchoff and other laws later on and see the correlation).
Thank you.
 
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Things like kirchhoffs rules pretty much apply straight from energy conservation laws.
 
Check out the Berkley course on physics,the volume on electromagnetism,as well as the second volume of Feynman's lectures.I think I've seen Maxwell eqn-s------>Ohm & Kirchhoff's laws deduction.

Daniel.
 
Thank you for the information.
 
If I understand you correctly, you'll find that EEs do this sort of stuff in antenna theory, with wave guides, and so on.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 

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