EM Calculus Struggles? Get Help Here!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on challenges faced by a participant in understanding basic electromagnetic (EM) concepts through calculus, specifically using Ohanian/Markert's "Physics for Scientists and Engineers." The scope includes recommendations for alternative resources and textbooks that may provide better clarity and understanding of the material.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty with the current textbook and seeks alternative resources.
  • Another participant recommends Halliday and Resnick's "Fundamentals of Physics: Volume 2" as a good introductory text.
  • Griffiths is suggested by multiple participants, although some caution that it may be more suitable for upper division courses rather than introductory EM.
  • Purcell's "Electricity and Magnetism" is mentioned as a rigorous text, with mixed opinions on its suitability for beginners.
  • One participant shares a personal experience, stating that Purcell was challenging when first learning EM but appreciated it after gaining more experience.
  • A participant provides a link to a resource that may assist with understanding EM concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Halliday and Resnick is a suitable resource for beginners, while opinions on Griffiths and Purcell vary, indicating a lack of consensus on their appropriateness for introductory EM studies.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that Purcell's text assumes a level of mathematical proficiency and familiarity with EM concepts that may not align with the needs of a beginner. There are also references to different editions of recommended texts, which may vary in content and clarity.

Who May Find This Useful

Students struggling with introductory electromagnetic concepts, educators seeking resource recommendations, and individuals interested in different approaches to learning EM through calculus.

DReicht
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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.
 
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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
 

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