Re: [EE]:: Resolving Faradays Paradox - almost

When I got my EE degree (Cornell, 2001), they did go beyond the classical
hand-wavy explanations and taught us how to apply special relativity to
E&M. That resolves a lot of questions which arise. QM was not a required
class but it was offered and I took it. Being just a 1 semester
introduction, it didn't get into QED (quantum electrodynamics) which you'd
need to apply it seriously to E&M problems. Instead they focused on using
it to explain solid state physics and semiconductor devices, ending with a
pretty deep dive into the PN junction (much deeper than the general circuit
design class went) and also laser diodes.

I seem to remember that they discussed the Faraday disc and even mentioned
that the measurement wires matter. I don't remember the exact conclusion or
whether they discussed it again in light of relativity.

Sean


On Thu, Jan 1, 2026 at 3:14 PM Jason White <
[email protected]> wrote:

> Unrelated note: I recall watching a video essay on how EEs get taught the
> classical equations and theories of electromagnetism, but the field has
> since moved on to the quantum stuff that is so popular today. They
> presented a bunch of "paradoxes" and contradictions that got
> solved/explained properly (no hand waving) by modern physics but never
> seemed to get propagated back into the introductory engineering curriculum.
> (Go to graduate school and learn the real thing was the general sentiment
> from the textbook author when asked about this if I recall correctly)
>
> The above was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the title. But
> the wires make sense, no need for fancy mathematics and concepts like
> electron spin.
>
> Regards,
> -Jason White
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