Electrodynamics and Classical Theory of Fields and Particles (Dover Books on Physics) by A. O. Barut (PDF)

Description

“We can only hope that more such striking expositions will be written.” — Bulletin of the American Mathematical SocietyThis is a systematic, covariant treatment of the classical theories of particle motion, fields, and the interaction of fields and particles. Particular attention is given to the interaction of charged particles with the electromagnetic field. The treatment throughout the book is relativistic; the author attempts, as much as possible, a coordinate free (or covariant) form of the equations both for particles and the fields. The book opens with an extensive discussion of space-time, Lorentz transformations, Lorentz-group and tensor and spinor fields. This material is essential to the understanding of many branches of theoretical physics, in particular relativistic quantum theory. Chapter II describes various relativistic forms of the fundamental problem of dynamics: describing the trajectories of particles for given external forces. The general dynamical principles to obtain the field equations and the important problems of the conservation laws are discussed in Chapter III. The second part of the book (Chapters IV-VI) is devoted to a lucid treatment of the interactions of fields and particles. Chapter IV deals with equations of motion and their solutions (the so-called Cauchy problem), focusing on the solution of field equations with Green’s functions using Dirac formalism. The problem of feedback between particles and fields (radiation and radiation reaction) is taken up in Chapter V, as are questions concerning the limitations of classical field theories and classical dynamics. Dr. Barut concludes the book with an excellent exposition of the purely mechanical approach to the problem of the interactions of charged particles — the so-called action-at-a-distance formulation of electrodynamics. Problems, alternate proofs, and additional topics are included at the end of each chapter, where a useful bibliography is also provided. A general bibliography appears at the end of the book.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I haven’t read it yet, but this book (intended for graduate-level physics majors) seems to be comprehensive and looks at classical electrodynamics with a relativistic view. The only problem is that I do not hold a graduate-level physics degree, so we’ll see if I can follow along…this ought to be interesting…

⭐The review by Michael Ibison is completely accurate.If you want to have a good basis on Classical Field Theory (CFT), this little book is an excellent choice, as is Landau’s book also.Every sentence in this book is insightful, both physically and mathematically.Read it carefully, with a piece of paper and a pen and work through each sentence. It will be very rewarding.One thing I like in this book is that the author, after each mathematical derivation, does a series of remarks that give to the reader deep insights of what is physically going on.Maybe, I would like the author to be a little less concise in some points, but all in all, is a very good book. (But I must say not an easy one).It helps you to acquire a whole understanding on Classical Fields, using the Electromagnetic Field as the primary (but not the only one) example.After working through it, (and of course with a good basis on Quantum Mechanics), you are ready to knock at the doors of Quantum Field Theory.Comprehensive and excellent book.

⭐One would need to go through a relativity book with heavy emphasis on notation before trying to do this. It’s treatment of EM fields (chapter 3 and on) is great if one had this background, but it’s first two chapters are essentially useless.

⭐Read Robert Hermann’s review (Bulletin AMS, Volume 70, Number 5, 1964): “Ideally, we mathematicians should write our own expositions of basic physics, so as not to cut our profession off from its historical roots; until then, we can only applaud efforts such as this one that bridge the gap, and hope that more such striking expositions will be written.” Barut writes that the textbook of David Jackson (1962, Classical Electrodynamics) serves as prerequisite (preface). That should serve as pointer to whom this work would prove most valuable. However, in my opinion a student could benefit from Barut without Jackson as sole prerequisite. I recommend the later publication by Schwartz (1972, Principles of Electrodynamics).The book is of two parts: Relativistic Description of Fields and Particles (130 pages) then Interactions:(1) “It is important to realize that relativistic invariance does not necessarily imply covariance.” (page 35).(2) “We can not consider time, t, as a parameter in the same way as in Newtonian mechanics.” (page 47).(3) “The really physical mass does not change.” (page 50).(4) “…the plane-wave can be considered as a particle with rest-mass zero.” (page 53).(5) “we note, in going over to quantum theory, the operation of taking the square root of the operators is not straightforward and leads to the introduction of an additional finite-dimensional internal space…” (page 71).(6) “…in the case of several particles, we cannot use a common proper time.” (page 72).(7) Thomas precession (page 81, problem 8), best to first read Taylor and Wheeler (pages 169-174). Now, problem 16 (page 129) asks for, and provides hints for a “derivation of spin precession from field theory.”(8) Barut: “Faraday’s law is a kind of relativity effect.” (page 89, problem 1, p.127). Now, study Schwartz (his pages 187-195).(9) “The electromagnetic field can be described by a symmetric, second-rank, spinor. ” (page 97).(10) There is a table of Lagrangians and Equations of Motion for the most common Fields (page 102).(11) An example of “intrinsic field transformation” occupies an all-too-brief three lines of text (page 126).Quotes above conclude part one of the monograph. Onward, part two:(12) “It is conceivable that, in spite of their massive character, when we must deal with a large number of pi-mesons, we also should be able to describe their behavior classically by a pseudo-scalar field.” and “The appearance of vector and scalar fields together is perhaps of some deep significance.” (141 and 145).(13) “To get a classical feeling of these important questions of the quantum theory of elementary particles, the interested reader should consider the Lagrangians, the infinitesimal transformations of the fields, generators of currents.” (page 148).(14) Green’s functions are introduced on page 148. This introduction (20 pages) makes for an interlude. Conclude: “If measurements are made at distant past and distant future, where the field is undisturbed, and then a disturbance is introduced at finite times, as in scattering experiments, then the integral (equation 4.91) determines the net effect of the interaction.” A problem (# 13, page 164) asks the reader to “find the Green’s functions for the Dirac equation,” another problem asks for justification of a property of Dirac-delta function (#10, page 164, also, page 154).(15) Chapter five, Radiation and Radiation Reaction. Again, best to first study Schwartz (his chapter six).We read: ” The one-particle aspect of the Schrodinger equation has been very much emphasized in textbooks at the expense of its field aspect, which, in a sense, is more fundamental and primary part of quantum theory.” (page 211). Finally: Action-At-A-Distance, we read, “there are no radiation effects in the theory, but only interactions of a number of particles.” (page 216).(16) Concluding my review: The monograph makes heavy demands on the reader. The problems span the gamut (easy to relatively advanced). You will not find the coordinate notation “ict.” Typographic errors abound in the hardcover printing, I believe the Dover printing has corrected those. Who is this monograph written for ? If you lack physics preparation much will remain obscure. If lacking mathematical maturity, much will remain out of reach. Still, an interesting book. I appreciate what Barut tries to accomplish, I do not know if he is entirely successful.

⭐This is a concise, clear, friendly but unfussy little book on classical electrodynamics (CED), and relativistic fields. Simultaneously, it provides an easy introduction to the mathematical machinery of relativistic dynamics and fields. There is an agreeable emphasis on the Lagrangian formulations, a good-sized chapter devoted to radiation and radiation-reaction, and a (regrettably) short piece on action-at-a-distance CED. This book is about the structure of CED in general, and does not deal with particular arrangements of charges, currents, coils, etc. etc. in the manner of an undergraduate text on EM.

⭐On the subject of Classical fields, I have not read a better book than Barut’s. It is clear and comprehensive. I discovered more about things like the Lorentz group and the Lagrangian formalism of fields than I thought existed. It is an excellent book by all standards. If you need to learn Quantum Field theory, start here first. Learn all about classical fields. The equations in this book are ready for quantization.

⭐Starts from the foundations of Special-Relativity, including Lorentz transformation, groups and spinors, then dynamics.Formulation of Lagrangian fields and the conserved quantities is also very good, though I think Rohrlich’s book is better.Covers self-interaction and radiation reaction in a very clear way.In short, for this price, it is truly a gem.

⭐This is an excellent book if you want to understand Electrodynamics for what it really is-a relativistic field theory!

⭐just started to read/work through…like it

⭐Il testo è più che valido sulla teoria classica dei campi. Il mio giudizio va alla qualità del libro. L’interno è costellato di macchie di inchiostro e in alcuni punti la stampa è sbiadita, c’è il rischio di trovare qualche elemento mancante all’interno delle equazioni al punto da renderle incomprensibili, ma l’aspetto peggiore è che molte pagine sono incollate nella parte bassa del libro, ho dovuto staccarle una ad una facendo attenzione a non strappare la carta, un lavoro davvero fastidioso. Non faccio il reso solo per il prezzo basso e per la mancanza di disponibilità di un’altra copia.Uma boa referência, mas alguns tópicos são passados de forma rápida e nem todos os exercícios são bem dosados. No meu caso, serve como referência para consulta de alguns temas avançados, pois as discussões são boas.Uma boa compra pelo preçoGut verpackt. Gute Lieferung.Gutes Produkt. Alles in Ordnung.

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