Classical electromagnetism (or classical electrodynamics) is a branch of theoretical physics that studies consequences of the electromagnetic forces between electric charges and currents. It provides an excellent description of electromagnetic phenomena whenever the relevant length scales and field strengths are large enough that quantum mechanical effects are negligible (see quantum electrodynamics).
Fundamental physical aspects of classical electrodynamics are presented e.g. by Feynman, Leighton and Sands, Panofsky and Phillips, and Jackson.
The theory of electromagnetism was developed over the course of the 19th century, most prominently by James Clerk Maxwell. For a detailed historical account, consult Pauli, Whittaker, and Pais. See also History of optics, History of electromagnetism and Maxwell's equations.
Read more about Classical Electromagnetism: Lorentz Force, The Electric Field E, Electromagnetic Waves, General Field Equations, Models
Famous quotes containing the word classical:
“The basic difference between classical music and jazz is that in the former the music is always greater than its performance—Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, for instance, is always greater than its performance—whereas the way jazz is performed is always more important than what is being performed.”
—André Previn (b. 1929)