Classical Field Theory Books: Suggestions for 2nd Chapter

[physiker_192]

Hello folks,


I would like to know more about the standard books in Classical Field Theory which I am not really familiar with.

I would be grateful if you suggest something (be it a book/lecture notes etc...) in line with the 2nd chapter of the following lecture notes:

http://users.physik.tu-muenchen.de/jmadrone/vorlesungen/W0910/overview-qm2.pdf

The more basic the material is the better.

cheers,

 

[Daverz]

A lot of QFT books cover this material. Itzykson & Zuber and Ryder, for example. Ryder is very readable.

For strictly classical field theory, A. O Barut's book is still one of the best.

Also, you can download Leonard Susskind's lectures from iTunes. These are labeled as lectures on Special Relativity, but they are really mostly about classical field theory.

http://www.subplanck.com/self-study...e-by-dr-leonard-susskind-stanford-university/

 

[deluks917]

Not that basic but I feel I must Mention the "Classical Theory of Fields" by Landau and Lifgarbagez. According to the authors you just need general physics and vector calc to read it. Very well regarded book might be worth a shot.

 

[physiker_192]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I think I will follow Itzykson & Zuber since I have a copy of the book (I didn't go through its contents in detail previously or even its table of contents, it really contains lots of topics).

cheers,

 

[rezeew]

As a fellow scientist, I would be happy to provide some suggestions for the second chapter of classical field theory books. The lecture notes you have provided seem to cover a broad overview of quantum mechanics, so I would recommend looking for books that delve deeper into specific topics within classical field theory.

One book that I would recommend is "Classical Field Theory" by Francis E. Low. This book covers topics such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and relativity, which are all essential for understanding classical field theory. It also includes exercises and examples to help solidify your understanding of the material.

Another book that may be helpful is "Classical Field Theory: On Electrodynamics, Non-Abelian Gauge Theories, and Gravitation" by Walter Greiner. This book covers a wide range of topics in classical field theory, including the basics of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and general relativity. It also includes discussions on non-Abelian gauge theories, which are important for modern theories such as the Standard Model.

For a more basic introduction to classical field theory, I would recommend "Classical Electrodynamics" by John David Jackson. This book covers the fundamentals of classical electromagnetism, including Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves. It also includes exercises and problems to help you apply the concepts you have learned.

Overall, my suggestion would be to explore different books and find one that suits your specific needs and interests. Classical field theory is a vast and complex subject, so it's important to find a resource that you feel comfortable with and can learn from effectively. Good luck with your studies!