Studying Help me find a comparable textbook

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The discussion centers on finding a free, online alternative to "Electricity and Magnetism" by E. Purcell & D. Morin, which is recognized for its depth and advanced mathematical concepts, particularly in vector analysis and special relativity. The textbook is praised for its rigorous treatment of electromagnetic theory, including the relationship between electric and magnetic forces, the use of vector potential for calculating magnetic fields, and the presentation of Maxwell's equations. While "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by Griffiths is suggested as a popular alternative, it is noted to be aimed at more advanced students (juniors and seniors). Participants express skepticism about finding a similarly rigorous textbook suitable for freshman or sophomore levels, with a consensus that Purcell remains unmatched in this regard.
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Please help me find a similar textbook to the one below. Note that I'd like it on the internet and free. Thanks!

"Electricity and Magnetism", E. Purcell & D. Morin, 3rd edition. From what I've heard, it's a textbook for an introductory electricity and magnetism class. Note that it has some advanced 3D calculus in there. Here's a description of it:

Text from a Nobel Laureate. What a privilege that we own to be able to not only read it but to study seriously from it.

First of all, this book is deep. You need to be very potent in advanced Maths (Vector analysis) & Physics (Special Relativity) to be able to discover the beauty of EM theory that Purcell presents in this remarkable book.

This book tells you that:

1. Magnetic force is actually electric force caused by relative movement of charged particles. (You need to learn Special Relativity before you can understand Chap 5)

2. How to calculate magnetic field using vector potential( just in a similar way that we use to calculate electric field using scalar potential). If you want to know how to derive Biot Savart Law, which Halliday's Physics won't even bother, you will find it in Chap 6.

3. Both integral and differential form of Maxwell equations (in terms of vector operators, e.g. G.D.C.-- Gradient, Divergence and Curl)
 
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Hey there,

Some people love the book: "Introduction to electrodynamics", by Griffiths. Check it out and see if it's your cup of tea.
 
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Ok, but it says this book is for juniors and seniors taking intermediate level e&m. Is there any textbook as rigorous as the one I mentioned and is for freshman/sophomore level e&m?
 
gimak said:
Is there any textbook as rigorous as the one I mentioned and is for freshman/sophomore level e&m?

I'm afraid there isn't. Purcell is the best book in this regard.
 
TL;DR: Jackson or Zangwill for Electrodynamics? Hi, I want to learn ultrafast optics and I am interested in condensed matter physics, ie using ultrafast optics in condensed matter systems. However, before I get onto ultrafast optics I need to improve my electrodynamics knowledge. Should I study Jackson or Zangwill for Electrodynamics? My level at the moment is Griffiths. Given my interest in ultrafast optics in condensed matter, I am not sure which book is better suited for me. If...

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