Rigorous Treatment of E&M and Thermodynamics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the desire for a more rigorous understanding of electromagnetism (E&M) and thermodynamics, particularly in the context of self-study resources such as books and video lectures. Participants share their experiences and recommendations for materials that include challenging problems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with their current understanding of E&M and thermodynamics despite achieving a high score in AP Physics C: E & M, seeking rigorous self-study resources.
  • Another participant suggests the "Feynman Lectures" as a starting point, noting that while they are not mathematically rigorous, they are focused on the physics.
  • A participant acknowledges enjoying the Feynman Lectures but points out the lack of accompanying problems.
  • Links to various resources, including derivations of the Lamor formula and qualifying exams from different universities, are provided as potential study materials.
  • Additional resources for E&M and thermodynamics are shared, including lecture notes and textbooks, with a note that some suggested materials may not be rigorous.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on what constitutes "rigorous" study materials, and there are multiple views on the adequacy of the recommended resources. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definition and availability of rigorous materials.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions of terms like "rigorous" and "AP Physics C," indicating a potential lack of clarity in the discussion. The resources mentioned vary in their mathematical rigor and applicability to the participants' needs.

UncertaintyAjay
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So, I am deeply unsatisfied with the way I've been taught E&M and thermodynamics in school. Despite having done AP Physics C: E & M and having got a 5 in it, I feel my understanding is lacking. Could you guys ( and girls) please recommend something rigorous for me to use to teach myself.Books and/or video lectures are good. Preferably something with CHALLENGING accompanying problems.
 
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I don't know, what I mean by "rigoros" and what "AP Physics C" means, but a good starting point are for sure the "Feynman Lectures". They are not mathematically rigoros but focused on the physics.
 
Yep, I'm working my way through them. But they don't have any accompanying problems, so... But terrific fun. Feynman explains things beautifully.
 
I did not know that existed. Thank you very much! I am now a very very happy man. I'm in India so it'll be at least a month before its delivered here. Any suggestions to tide me over till then?
 
In that month, you could try mastering the "physical" derivation of the Lamor formula. And also compare it with the mathematical derivation using the Lienard-Wiechert potentials.
http://blog.cupcakephysics.com/elec...homsons-derivation-of-the-larmor-formula.html (physical derivation)
http://fermi.la.asu.edu/PHY531/larmor/index.html (mathematical derivation)

You can also try the qualifying exams of various universities (some provide solutions).
https://www.princeton.edu/physics/graduate-program/prelims/
http://jonathanwhitmore.com/physics/physics-quals
http://physicsweb.phy.uic.edu/graduate/guidelines.php
http://physics.columbia.edu/qalifying-exam-quals
http://physics.uoregon.edu/grad_studies/phd_qualifier/

As for notes, Richard Fitzpatrick has a good sets at undergraduate and graduate levels.
http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/em/em.html
http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/jk1/jk1.html

David Tong also has good notes, and links to other good resources.
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/em.html

None of those are rigourous. For rigour, you could try https://www.amazon.com/dp/1461291135/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (I haven't read it).
 
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