classical electrodynamics

(noun)

A branch of theoretical physics that studies consequences of the electromagnetic forces between electric charges and currents.

Related Terms

Examples of classical electrodynamics in the following topics:

  • Further Reading

  • Further Reading

  • Further Reading

  • Further Reading

  • Basic Assumptions of the Bohr Model

    • In previous modules, we have seen puzzles from classical atomic theories (e.g., the Rutherford model).
    • Most importantly, classical electrodynamics predicts that an atom described by a (classical) planetary model would be unstable.
    • He suggested that electrons could only have certain classical motions:
    • In these orbits, the electron's acceleration does not result in radiation and energy loss as required by classical electrodynamics.

  • Maxwell's Equations

    • Maxwell's equations help form the foundation of classical electrodynamics, optics, and electric circuits.
    • Maxwell's equations are a set of four partial differential equations that, along with the Lorentz force law, form the foundation of classical electrodynamics, classical optics, and electric circuits.

  • Lasers

    • (One exception would be free-electron lasers, whose operation can be explained solely by classical electrodynamics. ) When an electron is excited from a lower-energy to a higher-energy level, it will not stay that way forever.

  • Introduction and Importance

    • Although Kirchhoff's Laws can be derived from the equations of James Clerk Maxwell, Maxwell did not publish his set of differential equations (which form the foundation of classical electrodynamics, optics, and electric circuits) until 1861 and 1862.

  • Gauss's Law

    • It is one of the four Maxwell's equations which form the basis of classical electrodynamics, the other three being Gauss's law for magnetism, Faraday's law of induction, and Ampère's law with Maxwell's correction.

  • The Bohr Model of the Atom

    • Bohr suggested that electrons in hydrogen could have certain classical motions only when restricted by a quantum rule.
    • The laws of classical mechanics predict that the electron should release electromagnetic radiation while orbiting a nucleus (according to Maxwell's equations, accelerating charge should emit electromagnetic radiation).
    • He suggested that electrons could only have certain classical motions:
    • In these orbits, the electron's acceleration does not result in radiation and energy loss as required by classical electrodynamics.
    • The significance of the Bohr model is that the laws of classical mechanics apply to the motion of the electron about the nucleus only when restricted by a quantum rule.