Maxwell's Equations Without the Calculus by Douglas G. Brooks PhD

by Douglas Brooks

James Clerk Maxwell published his famous equations in 1873. They form the absolute core of our understanding of electromagnetics and they stand virtually unchanged (not even "tweaked") since they were first published. In one sense, Maxwell's equations are beautifully simple. But in another sense, they are extremely complex, relying on very advanced calculus. The fundamental laws behind Maxwell's equations are familiar to most people. So this book focuses on those laws and expresses the equations in words, omitting the calculus (well, almost) entirely. This book explains how Maxwell's equations are formed, where they came from, and how they interrelate in words that even non-engineers can understand. This removes this very important topic from the complexities of the underlying mathematics and puts it in a form that everyone can understand. This book is intended for the average reader and for the engineering student who is facing his or her first introduction to Maxwell. Before you can understand the complexities of the mathematics, you need to understand the fundamental background behind the equations. That is what this book offers.

Paperback

First published April 16, 2015

Reviews

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not all that useful

Unfortunately the technology is a large part of the problem, although not all of it. The lack of Greek characters requires putting all equations in images. In and of itself not bad. However my kindle reader does not supply zoom, but only in this book. I can happily zoom other books. Thus the equations appear in about 2 point type and might as well not be there at all. Secondly, just saying in words what the equations say in symbols is not that helpful. It certainly doesn't provide any further insight into what is going on. A few paragraphs of how to read the equation is more useful. But there is no mention of, much less insight into why a moving charge has additional properties than a stationary charge. Or into any other of the miraculous phenomenon of electromagnetism.

[Steve Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good explanation

I was looking for "Maxwell's Equations For Dummies" and found this fine book. I learned about Maxwell's equations in college but never had any need for them in my professional life. This is a very good refresher.

[Phil Egidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was informative. It told a good story as well as explain the theory and why the equations are set up as they are...
Too bad Maxwell didn't live longer, he had a lot more to offer.

[Venkatesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting little book

The book delivers on its promise. It explains Maxwell's equations without the math.
You can get through this book in less than an hour