Because today is a relatively unlucky day for me, I shall blog on something which I enjoy. Hopefully the boss doesn't come back before I finish this.
I am gonna discuss one of my favourite topics in physics. Electrodynamics or more popularly known as electromagnetism (EM). Before I start, I must say that this topic seems to be an either love it or hate it subject. There are several people I know, i.e. WH, CWCJ, SY, SH, etc. who hates it. Then of course there are people like me who loves it.
Let us start from the very beginning. The first module in NUS which touches on EM is PC1143. The syllabus is pretty much similar to A-levels, the only main big difference is the use of calculus to solve many of the problems. When previously you only need to plug in values into equations to get the answer, this time round you not only need to differentiate, but integrate multiple times. I am sure this amount of calculus is enough to put off many non-maths inclined people.
The second EM module is yet another compulsory module for physics majors. This time round you will need some basic knowledge of vector calculus. But frankly speaking you don't need to have pre-knowledge of it to attempt this course. All the math needed are covered in it, so, seriously I dunno y ppl are complainin. Anyway this course shifts away from A-level type of EM into more theoretical stuff. Circuits and electronics are no longer included. Most problems have become more like mathematical problems and if you are not comfortable with integration, you will suffer through it.
After that will be the third year EM module, this time round optional. By this time, EM has morphed into its true colours. Waves. Another scary part of physics for many. So by this time if you still can endure it, means you are a true lover of EM.
Finally if you feel strong after taking all those EM modules, you can finally advance to ED in the final year. By this time relativity would have come into the picture and tensors would be your good friend. Charges are now starting to accelerate and radiate. The link to quantum mechanics is startin to bridge and you are now prepared to graduate from the classical world into quantum electrodynamics.
Two books are enough to cover your entire classical ED journey. Griffith's Intro to Electrodynamics and Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics. Master the first one and you will be strong in both vector calc and electrody. Master the 2nd and you will be god.
