Lectures on Theoretical Physics, Volume 2

Review

‘This is theoretical physics ‘done right’. The author’s love of the subject and its history, as well as its results, shines through. The definitions and derivations are clean, but never dry. For students of modern physical science, these volumes will be a rich source of instruction, insight - and joy.’ Frank Wilczek, Massachusetts Institute of Technology‘David Tong is one of those physicists who comes along only rarely. He unrelentingly dives into all fields of physics, recognising the often underappreciated unity of the body of knowledge that exists. He is a master of technical detail along with the essential underlying physical principles. In this series he covers much of the undergraduate and graduate curriculum with clarity and humour, and I often find myself looking up his books or using his efforts to teach better myself.’ Lisa Randall, Harvard University‘This is a wonderful set of textbooks. A dynamic and engaging introduction to theoretical physics with a very modern emphasis.’ Juan Maldacena, Institute of Advanced Study, Princeton‘These books are an invaluable gift to physics students of all ages. It's probably impossible for a series of books to cover everything a physicist needs to know, but this is as close as you're going to get - all explained with David Tong's characteristic clarity and verve. I can't recommend them highly enough.’ Sean Carroll, Johns Hopkins University, and author of Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity‘The books in this textbook series are destined to become classics and will be immensely popular among students and researchers alike. The writing is clear and accessible, and the style is engaging and witty. One cannot resist a comparison to the authoritative and deeply insightful set of books by Landau and Lifshitz. This series, aimed at an even broader audience, may well prove to be equally influential, establishing a ‘theoretical minimum’ to which all physicists should aspire. I cannot wait for the other volumes to appear.’ Sandip Trivedi, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai‘David Tong's series brilliantly combines deep physical understanding with masterful teaching. Delivering a thorough, wide-ranging, and current view of physics, it effectively updates Landau and Lifshitz's renowned Course of Theoretical Physics. This series is highly recommended as both excellent course material and an essential resource for students and advanced researchers, and I am confident it will achieve classic status.’ Nathan Seiberg, Institute of Advanced Study, Princeton‘These volumes are brilliant gems, lovingly crafted in language that sparkles and enlightens. Moreover, the cross-referencing of topics, as well as the prefiguring of advanced concepts, allow students to appreciate the unity of theoretical physics in a way no individual textbook could. For the rest of us, the books rekindle the zing we felt when we first encountered these subjects, with numerous shiny new nuggets as a bonus. A Landau and Lifshitz for the twenty-first century, only more inviting and human this time.’ Rajesh Gopakumar, International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bangalore‘Very clear explanation on the topics.’ Husheng Li, Purdue University, West Lafayette‘A modern approach to electromagnetism. I will definitely adopt parts of it in the next iteration of my course.’ Andreas Papaefstathiou, Kennesaw State University‘This is an outstanding text, approaching Electrodynamics from a modern perspective.’ Cyrus Taylor, Case Western Reserve University

Book Description

This book describes the theory of electromagnetism in a clear, accessible style. Essential reading for undergraduate students in physics.