Electricity and magnetism. New formulation by introduction of superconductivity
This textbook is devoted to the statement of an analogy between electricity and magnetism based on the introduction of superconductivity into electromagnetism. With this aim, the remarkable analogy is shown between static electric phenomena described in Part I and static magnetic phenomena presented in Part II with the fulfillment of corresponding comparisons between, in particular, conductors and superconductors and discussing dynamic electromagnetic phenomena in Part III. In a whole, the textbook is divided into twelve chapters. Chapter 1 presents the main concepts, properties and laws of the electrostatic field touching electric charge, the laws of Coulomb and Gauss, the electric field, potential and dipole. Chapter 2 describes the electric behavior of conductors introducing the main parameters of the electrostatic induction and shielding. Moreover, the methods of grounding and images are discussed. Chapter 3 considers the conductor systems consisting of two or more conductors for which the electric potential and capacity are introduced. Issues connected with parallel-plate capacitor electrostatic energy and force are treated. Dielectric materials (insulators) are at the center of Chapter 4; the author discusses the difference in electric behavior between conductors and insulators. With this aim, he considers different types of polarization, issues connected with electric displacement, states the main constitutive equations and boundary conditions and finds the electrostatic energy in dielectrics. Chapter 5 considers electric phenomena when a steady current flows that does not change with time, defining the continuity equation of the current. Ohm's law and the electric resistance from the viewpoint of the microscopic scale are discussed, too. Fundamental equations with boundary conditions are stated and a consideration of electromotive force leads to the definition of two Kirchhoff laws. Chapter 6 discusses the relationship between the current and the magnetic field by introducing the magnetic flux density to express the magnetic field strength. With this goal, Biot-Savart's law is introduced, the law expressing the magnetic flux density produced by a current and also the conception of the Lorentz force in narrow and broad sense with studying the E-B analogy of electromagnetism. Corresponding parameters and laws (magnetic flux lines, Ampère's law, vector potential and magnetic charge) are discussed in detail. The main Chapter 7 is devoted to magnetic properties of superconductors and corresponding phenomena, in particular, the Meissner-Ochsenfeld effect. The method of solution for the magnetic flux density again includes an image of currents. An important parameter of magnetization is introduced as well as magnetic shielding and intermediate states. Current systems are considered in Chapter 8 from the viewpoint of the magnetic field. As the stored systems of the magnetic flux, coils are presented. Moreover, the issues devoted to magnetic energy and force are discussed. The classification of magnetic materials is at the center of Chapter 9. The fundamental laws and boundary conditions, connected with the magnetic field, are stated and the analogy between electric and magnetic phenomena is discussed. Electromagnetic induction is considered in Chapter 10 by using different laws of induction. As a result, Josephson's relation and the skin effect are stated. Chapter 11 is devoted to the consideration of the displacement current. As a result, the equations describing electromagnetic phenomena (Maxwell's equations) are stated. Additionally, for the magnetic field, boundary conditions, summarized potential as well as the pointing vector describing the electromagnetic fields are obtained. Chapter 12 covers the properties of electromagnetic fields described by the wave equation in dielectric materials. As particular issues, reflection and refraction of the planar electromagnetic wave, the energy of waves, spherical waves and the retarded potential are considered. The appendix includes a set of definitions and proofs and also some interesting information on superconductors. In a whole, the textbook has very great methodical meaning, it includes many questions and problems accompanying the exposition as separated problems at the end of each chapter. Solutions to all problems and answers to questions are presented in the appendix. From this viewpoint, the book is very interesting for students and teachers preparing lectures and practical work.
scientific article; zbMATH DE number 6210595