Introduction
The classical theory of electrodynamics is based on Maxwell's
equations and the Lorentz law of force. This book begins with
a detailed analysis of these equations, and proceeds to examine
their far-reaching consequences. The traditional approach to electrodynamics
treats the "microscopic" equations of Maxwell as fundamental,
with electric charge and electric current as the sole sources
of the electric and magnetic fields. Subsequently, polarization
and magnetization are introduced into Maxwell's equations to account
for the observed behavior of material media. The augmented equations,
known as Maxwell's "macroscopic" equations, are considered
useful for practical applications, but ultimately reducible to
the more fundamental "microscopic" equations. In contrast,
the present book takes Maxwell's "macroscopic" equations
as the foundation of classical electrodynamics, and treats electrical
charge, electrical current, polarization, and magnetization as
the basic constituents of material media. These constituents not
only produce the electromagnetic fields, but also interact with
these fields and exchange energy and momentum with them. The laws
that govern the distribution of energy and momentum in space-time
are introduced and discussed in great detail. Interactions of
electromagnetic fields with matter involve exchanges of energy
with electrical currents, with polarization, and with magnetization,
and also exchanges of linear and angular momenta via electromagnetic
force and torque exerted on the aforementioned constituents of
matter. Throughout the book, a large number of examples demonstrate
the solution of Maxwell's equations in diverse situations, and
examine the flow of energy and momentum as well as the distribution
of force and torque throughout the matter-field systems under
consideration.