Electromagnetic Theory: A Simplified Representation

An outline of electromagnetic theory is presented in which extraneous concepts (principally the permittivity and permeability of free space) are eliminated and all analogies between electrostatics and magnetostatics are heightened. The result is a simplified representation in which the introduction of D and H is logically deferred until materials are introduced, with the need for their introduction then clearly revealed. All four field vectors E, D, B, and H have the same units and dimensions, a simplification which will aid the student. Maxwell's equations assume a cleaner, more symmetrical form, and other commonly used quantities are simplified, e.g., the impedance of free space is dimensionless and has a value of unity. Charge and current require redefinition, and conversion formulas between this proposed new system and MKS rationalized units are tabulated.