Jackson: t-minus three semesters and counting

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for graduate-level electromagnetism, specifically Jackson's text, and the necessary mathematical background, particularly in partial differential equations (PDEs) and related topics. Participants explore what prior knowledge and additional resources might be beneficial for studying both electromagnetism and general relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Jackson expresses concern about preparedness for graduate electromagnetism after studying Griffith's "Intro to Electrodynamics" and seeks advice on additional subjects to study.
  • Some participants suggest that a course in PDEs is essential, especially if the participant is unfamiliar with the topic.
  • There is a recommendation to study Green's functions and Fourier series, which are mentioned as important topics in the context of PDEs.
  • Participants emphasize the value of understanding Legendre polynomials, Bessel functions, and spherical harmonics, which are likely covered in a PDE course.
  • One participant suggests assembling other electromagnetism textbooks that provide worked examples to supplement learning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of studying PDEs and related mathematical concepts, but there is no consensus on specific preparatory materials or the extent of knowledge required prior to studying Jackson's text.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that participants have a foundational understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and the varying levels of familiarity with mathematical concepts among participants.

bjnartowt
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Jackson: t-minus three semesters and counting!

Okay, help me with this thought-experiment: I was wondering how well-prepared for graduate (Jackson) electromagnetism I would be if I had studied the entirety of Griffith's "Intro...Electrodynamics" one year beforehand. What subject-matter would I still be missing, so to speak? I'll have a summer before I have to study out of Jackson's book, so I was wondering if there was anything I should study beforehand, as preparation. Would a math-course in partial-differential-equations (whatever that means...) help?

I also wish to study general relativity during the same semester: what prior-knowledge should I amass during the summer beforehand?
 
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If "whatever that means" is your response to PDE's, you might be in trouble. Do Griffiths, take the PDE course, I assume you may have already taken an ODE course (ordinary differential equations). That should be a good starter...
 


Pengwuino said:
If "whatever that means" is your response to PDE's, you might be in trouble. Do Griffiths, take the PDE course, I assume you may have already taken an ODE course (ordinary differential equations). That should be a good starter...

Ha ha...I just meant that I didn't know the PDE-course-description offhand. Now that I consult it: they speak of "Green's functions, Fourier series, and other classical techniques".
 


Start assembling other EM textbooks that cover the same principles and have example problems worked out. Landau-Lifgarbagez...
 


bjnartowt said:
Ha ha...I just meant that I didn't know the PDE-course-description offhand. Now that I consult it: they speak of "Green's functions, Fourier series, and other classical techniques".

I'm using Jackson right now and Green's Functions are some pretty wild stuff to learn, I recommend burning that knowledge into your head however you can. Fourier series is important as well, definitely. Understanding Legendre polynomials, bessel functions, spherical harmonics... stuff you'd find in a PDE course most likely, is good to know. Hell, just grab a mathematical physics book and go nuts on it.
 

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