Best undergraduate electromagnetics textbook

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for undergraduate electromagnetics textbooks that cover a variety of topics relevant to a general course in electromagnetics. Participants seek to identify texts that provide good explanations of specific subjects, including gauge invariance, wave equations, diffraction, and waveguides, among others.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for textbooks that cover a comprehensive list of topics in undergraduate electromagnetics.
  • Another participant suggests that both engineering and physics perspectives are needed, mentioning Griffiths as a standard physics text but not knowing the current engineering equivalent.
  • A different participant recommends "Classical Electromagnetic Radiation" by Marion and Heald, noting its suitability for certain topics but expressing dissatisfaction with Griffiths' style, suggesting it may mislead students regarding the necessity of mathematics.
  • Another participant points out that Marion and Heald's book is now available through Dover, making it more affordable.
  • Additional recommendations include Harrington and Balanis, though one participant cautions that these may be too advanced for the original request.
  • Lastly, a participant mentions "Electromagnetic Waves and Antennas" by Orfanidis, highlighting that it covers all requested topics and is available for free online.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single best textbook, as multiple recommendations are provided, reflecting differing opinions on style, depth, and suitability for the requested topics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express concerns about the level of mathematical rigor in certain textbooks and the appropriateness of recommendations based on the specific topics requested.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and educators in undergraduate electromagnetics courses, particularly those seeking comprehensive resources that cover a wide range of topics in the field.

ksnaz12
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Hi I am looking for a textbook that covers most of the topics in a general undergraduate electromagnetics course. It would be great if the topics below are covered. I don't mind getting a few but would like to find a good explanation of these topics. thanks

Gauge invariance
Lorenz gauge
Greens functions
Retarded potentials
Hertz diapole
Poynting vector
Wave equation
derivation of Kichhoffs diffraction integrals
Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffractionOptical intensity
Lenses as phase shifters
Planar metallic waveguide
waveguide dispersion
dielectrics and boundary conditions
planar dielectric waveguide
optical fibres
 
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The best book I know of for concentrating on the areas you listed is probably something like "Classical Electromagnetic Radiation" (I think) by Marion, later editions I think are Marion and Heald. We used it in the late 70's for the 2nd semester of an undergrad EMAG course. I do not think the same textbook is as good for the first semester. Griffith is standard, and I own a copy but I do not like his style. I know he encourages, thinking, and even presents problems where he says "little math required." I think he gives the (false) impression that with enough intutition, you can always get by without doing a lot of math.
 
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Likes   Reactions: vanhees71, ksnaz12 and jasonRF
Thanks everyone I will have a look into all of them :)
 

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