Collective Electrodynamics: Quantum Foundations of Electromagnetism

by Carver A. Mead

In this book Carver Mead offers a radically new approach to the standard problems of electromagnetic theory. Motivated by the belief that the goal of scientific research should be the simplification and unification of knowledge, he describes a new way of doing electrodynamics—collective electrodynamics—that does not rely on Maxwell's equations, but rather uses the quantum nature of matter as its sole basis. Collective electrodynamics is a way of looking at how electrons interact, based on experiments that tell us about the electrons directly. (As Mead points out, Maxwell had no access to these experiments.) The results Mead derives for standard electromagnetic problems are identical to those found in any text. Collective electrodynamics reveals, however, that quantities that we usually think of as being very different are, in fact, the same—that electromagnetic phenomena are simple and direct manifestations of quantum phenomena. Mead views his approach as a first step toward reformulating quantum concepts in a clear and comprehensible manner. The book is divided into five magnetic interaction of steady currents, propagating waves, electromagnetic energy, radiation in free space, and electromagnetic interaction of atoms. In an engaging preface, Mead tells how his approach to electromagnetic theory was inspired by his interaction with Richard Feynman.

Genres: Science

159 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2000

Reviews

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an undergrad, much of the notation in this text was over my head. I decided to read it after watching this video, which led me down this rabbit hole. While Carver's notation was over my head the physical ideas were quite intuitive which seems to be the point. I can always come back to the book and learn the notation, but the physical ideas and the principles seem to be what's important for the physics.



For my uses I found part 1, 2 and the appendix the most eye opening, with the above image being a particular highlight. There's still a lot for me to chew on. I don't know if I agree with his assertions against the Copenhagen school yet. I simply don't know enough about the history or the science to make that determination. What I do know is that the book gave me a lot of ideas for my own experiments and if this book is to be judged on anything it should be those grounds.

[Nick Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

outstanding. the first time i really feel i grokked some of the topics involved, especially since -- as this book confirmed -- Feynman's Lectures on Physics got a bit, ummm, less than totally rigorous in the third volume (I learned my early emag there). this book deserves a lot more play than it gets.

[Plamen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book Carver Mead offers a radically new approach to the standard problems of electromagnetic theory. Motivated by the belief that the goal of scientific research should be the simplification and unification of knowledge, he describes a new way of doing electrodynamics—collective electrodynamics—that does not rely on Maxwell's equations, but rather uses the quantum nature of matter as its sole basis. Collective electrodynamics is a way of looking at how electrons interact, based on experiments that tell us about the electrons directly. (As Mead points out, Maxwell had no access to these experiments.)

The results Mead derives for standard electromagnetic problems are identical to those found in any text. Collective electrodynamics reveals, however, that quantities that we usually think of as being very different are, in fact, the same—that electromagnetic phenomena are simple and direct manifestations of quantum phenomena. Mead views his approach as a first step toward reformulating quantum concepts in a clear and comprehensible manner.

The book is divided into five sections: magnetic interaction of steady currents, propagating waves, electromagnetic energy, radiation in free space, and electromagnetic interaction of atoms. In an engaging preface, Mead tells how his approach to electromagnetic theory was inspired by his interaction with Richard Feynman.

### About the Author

Carver A. Mead is the Gordon and Betty Moore Professor of Engineering and Applied Science, Emeritus, at the California Institute of Technology. He won the 1999 Lemelson-MIT Prize for Invention and Innovation.