6 Best Books On Physics About Electricity

If you’re looking for a great book on physics about electricity, start with one of these six! Physics books are one of the best ways to learn about electricity, from the technical science of electricity to the history and applications of it. The books on this list include great selections for any level of experience with physics and electricity. 

The Best Books on Physics About Electricity

There are thousands of books on physics about electricity and more. It can be a challenge figuring out which ones are worth reading, especially if you are new to physics. This list will get you started with top picks, from beginner guides to university textbooks. 

1. Must-Read: Introduction to Electrodynamics by David Griffiths

It’s hard to meet a physicist who has not read Introduction to Electrodynamics by David Griffiths. This short textbook is not only one of the best textbooks on physics about electricity, it is one of the best physics books, period. 

Introduction to Electrodynamics is renowned for its readability and clarity. Physics students have been known to struggle with electrodynamics only to start acing tests after reading Griffiths’ textbook. 

This book is not for beginners. However, it is perfect for anyone with some advanced physics knowledge who wants to dive into electricity in detail. Introduction to Electrodynamics will give you all the tools you need to gain a technical understanding of electricity in a larger physics context. 

2. For Beginners: The Physics Book by DK Publishing

If you’re new to physics, The Physics Book by DK Publishing is a great place to start. This is not a book on physics about electricity specifically but does include electricity in its wide variety of physics topics. 

The Physics Book covers all the foundations of physics. It explains them in clear, simple terms that are easy to understand, especially with the help of many visual aids. There is an entire unit dedicated to electricity and magnetism. The other units will help you get started in physics by giving you a well-rounded knowledge of all the basics. 

3. For History: Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field by Nancy Forbes and Basil Mahon

The story of advancements in electricity and physics is an exciting tale of scientific rivalry and collaboration. Understanding how we got to our current understanding of electricity can also help you better understand and appreciate modern physics. The best history book on physics about electricity is Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field by Nancy Forbes and Basil Mahon. 

This book explores the story of two of history’s most famous scientists, Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell. Both men made incredible strides in physics and engineering, particularly with electromagnetic field research. 

Forbes and Mahon tell their story in a clear, readable way that also gives a good overview of the science itself. Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field is a great read for physics enthusiasts of all knowledge levels. 

4. For Electronics: Make Electronics by Charles Platt

Some readers may be looking for books on physics about electricity so they can learn how to use and build electronics. If you’re part of this group, you should take a look at Make Electronics by Charles Platt. 

This well-known DIY electronics book is a great hands-on guide to electricity and electronics. It includes beginner to intermediate level electronics projects and explains many of the core concepts behind electronics and electronic components. The various activities the book walks you through will also help you to learn valuable engineering and electronics skills, such as soldering. 

There are numerous editions of this book available and you can find it in both paperback and ebook formats. The most recent edition (3rd edition as of 2022) will be the most up-to-date, but any edition will provide a similarly rewarding experience for physics and engineering enthusiasts. Make Electronics is an especially great place to start for anyone thinking of a career as a mechanical engineer, physicist, robotics engineer, or electrician.

5. For Inventors: My Inventions by Nikola Tesla

If you are interested in finding new ways to apply physics and engineering, My Inventions by Nikola Tesla will be a great read. This is the perfect book for aspiring inventors. Nikola Tesla, one of history’s greatest physicists and inventors, shares the story of his life and work. 

The book offers invaluable insights into Tesla’s process and approach to inventing as well as creativity in science. Our understanding of science and technology has grown significantly since Tesla’s time, but his mindset and methods are still worth learning about. Plus, My Inventions is a short read and the ebook can even be found for free on some platforms. 

6. For Advanced Physics: University Physics by Young and Freedman

If you already have some knowledge of physics and want to learn about electricity in technical detail, you’ll want to go with a good university-level textbook. University Physics by Young and Freedman is one of the most well-respected books on physics about electricity and more. 

It covers all the foundational areas of physics in clarity and detail. Young and Freedman have also included hundreds of practice problems you can use to apply what you’re reading about. Solutions to the practice problems are included at the end of the book. University Physics is great for learning all about the physics of electricity as well as other niches of physics, such as particle physics or Newton’s laws. 

There are numerous editions of University Physics available today. If you are taking a formal physics course, the professor will typically specify which edition to buy. However, if you are just using University Physics for self-study, any edition will give you a similar experience. 

Learning From Books On Physics About Electricity

It can be a challenge to find the best volumes with so many books on physics about electricity out there today. These six books include great options for everything from physics basics to history to university-level reading. Electricity is one of the most important concepts in physics, so start learning today with these top six physics books about electricity!