Problems in Classical Electromagnetism

This second edition adds 46 new problems, for a total of 203. The solutions to certain “old” problems have been revised for improved clarity, in response to questions and comments from our students (second-year students in the Master’s in Physics program). Each problem is given a title indicating its relation to the various areas of physics or technology. By tackling the problems presented here, students are gently introduced to advanced topics such as unipolar and homopolar motors, magnetic monopoles, radiation pressure, angular momentum of light, bulk and surface plasmons, and radiation friction. We also address a number of tricky concepts and apparent ambiguities and paradoxes encountered in the classical theory of electromagnetism, with a particular focus on conservation laws and transformation properties between different frames of reference. At the same time, the book can be used as an introduction to applications of classical electromagnetism including cutting-edge topics like plasmonics, metamaterials, and light-driven propulsion. While unnecessary mathematical complexity is avoided, the new edition also provides a few introductory examples concerning elegant and powerful solution techniques. Hopefully the second edition offers an even better teaching tool for undergraduates in physics, mathematics, and electric engineering, and a valuable reference guide for students planning to work in optics, material science, electronics, and plasma physics.

Andrea Macchi is a research scientist at CNR/INO, Pisa, Italy, and a lecturer of classical electrodynamics at the Physics Department of the University of Pisa. His research interests include superintense laser–matter interactions, laser-driven acceleration of particles, high field plasmonics, and nonlinear plasma dynamics. He has published about 100 papers on peer-reviewed journals and the textbook “A Superintense Laser-Plasma Interaction Primer” (Springer, 2013).

Giovanni Moruzzi is a retired associate professor from the Physics Department of the University of Pisa, where he is still teaching a course of computer programming for physicists. His research interests cover atomic and molecular spectroscopy. He has published more than 70 papers on peer-reviewed journals and has been a co-editor and co-author of two scientific books, and author of the textbook "Essential Python for the Physicist". 

Francesco Pegoraro is a Professor Emeritus at the Physics Department of the University of Pisa and is a National member of the “Accademia dei Lincei” in Rome. His research interests cover different areas of theoretical plasma physics ranging from magnetically confined plasmas, space, and astrophysical plasmas to laser produced relativistic plasmas. He has published more than 300 research papers on peer-reviewed journals.