EM Calculus Struggles? Get Help Here!

  • Thread starter Thread starter DReicht
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Em
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around challenges with understanding basic electromagnetism (EM) using Ohanian/Markert's Physics for Scientists and Engineers. Participants recommend alternative resources, emphasizing Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics: Volume 2 as a solid introductory text. Griffiths is noted as more suitable for upper-division courses rather than beginners. Purcell's Electricity and Magnetism is acknowledged as rigorous and potentially difficult for first-time learners, as it assumes a higher level of mathematical proficiency. Overall, Halliday and Resnick is favored for its clarity and thoroughness in derivations, making it a better choice for those struggling with the material. Additional resources, including a helpful website, are also suggested.
DReicht
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I'm having a lot of trouble with basic EM (calculus based) because for some reason, the material simply isn't clicking with me. We're using Ohanian/Markert's Physics for Scientists and Engineers and I'm finding it to be very lacking. I'm wondering if anyone has any better alternative suggestions for resources, technical ones that is.

Thanks a ton.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Halliday and Resnick's Fundamentals of Physics: Volume 2 is pretty good as far as introductory texts goes.
 
I'll make the obligatory recommendation for Griffiths.
 
You may want to take a look at Electricity and Magnetism by Purcell.
 
LewisEE said:
I'll make the obligatory recommendation for Griffiths.

For introductory E&M? I think not...

Landau said:
You may want to take a look at Electricity and Magnetism by Purcell.

Maybe, although this text (especially the problems) are at a pretty advanced mathematical level. It's quite a rigorous introduction to E&M, which is probably not what the OP wants...

So, I second Halliday and Resnick.
 
I will be yet another person to recommend Halliday and Resnick. I have the 3rd edition which I think is quite good (not familiar with other editions) - I would guess used copies can be found for very little money.

I agree with Nabeshin 100%. Griffiths is really for an upper division EM course - a second course in EM. Purcell is great once you know EM, but is terrible to learn from if it is your first time seeing this material. When I first learned EM it was from Purcell and it was much more painful than is required to get a good grasp of EM. He leaves out a lot of intermediate results that both Griffiths and Halliday and Resnick derive for the reader; Purcell assumes you will derive these yourself in the course of solving the problems. I started liking Purcell after intermediate EM, and loved it after graduate EM.

Good luck!

jason
 

Similar threads

Learning Radiometry, Photometry, Optics, Thermodynamics, ....
Replies
1
Views
2K
Other Relearning Math: Comparing Resources for the Best Learning Experience
Replies
38
Views
10K
Help transitioning into proof-based math?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Learning curve of EM? (Not homework)
Replies
4
Views
2K
Recommend me a calculus based physics text?
Replies
1
Views
3K
Hi I'm Tasnim, I'm new here.
Replies
2
Views
473
Please read if you uses Physics for Engineers by Ohanian/Markert
Replies
6
Views
19K
Difference between Larson's Calculus
Replies
5
Views
20K
Teaching about electromagnetic radiation & struggling
Replies
39
Views
7K
Struggling with Calculus in Game Development - Seeking Advice!
Replies
1
Views
535

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top