Help me find a comparable textbook

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In summary, "Electricity and Magnetism" by E. Purcell & D. Morin, 3rd edition, is a deep and rigorous textbook for introductory electricity and magnetism classes. It requires advanced knowledge in mathematics and physics, including vector analysis and special relativity. The book covers topics such as the relationship between magnetic and electric forces, calculating magnetic fields using vector potential, and both integral and differential forms of Maxwell's equations. While some may prefer "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by Griffiths, there is no textbook as rigorous and comprehensive as Purcell's for freshmen and sophomore level classes.
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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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  • #2
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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  • #3
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?
 
  • #4
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.
 

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