Classical Electrodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with charged particles. It is based on the fundamental principles of electromagnetism laid out by James Clerk Maxwell in the 19th century.
John David Jackson was an American theoretical physicist and professor who wrote the widely-used textbook "Classical Electrodynamics" in 1962. His book is considered a classic in the field and is still used by many scientists and students today.
The main equations used in Classical Electrodynamics are Maxwell's equations, which describe the relationships between electric and magnetic fields, and how they are affected by charges and currents. These equations include Gauss's law, Faraday's law, Ampere's law, and the continuity equation.
Classical Electrodynamics is based on classical physics principles and describes the behavior of electric and magnetic fields at a macroscopic level. Quantum Electrodynamics, on the other hand, incorporates quantum mechanics and describes the behavior of electromagnetic fields at a subatomic level. It is a more complete and accurate theory, but it is more complex and difficult to understand.
Classical Electrodynamics has many practical applications, including the development of technologies such as radio, television, and computers. It is also used in various fields of engineering, such as electrical engineering, telecommunications, and optics. Additionally, the principles of Classical Electrodynamics are important for understanding and studying electromagnetic phenomena in nature, such as lightning and the Earth's magnetic field.