Functional Programming in Learning Electromagnetic Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores how functional programming, specifically Haskell, can be integrated into teaching electromagnetic theory to enhance understanding of vector calculus and physics concepts.

Contribution

It demonstrates the application of functional programming in physics education, providing examples from electromagnetic theory and vector calculus to illustrate its benefits.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of electromagnetic concepts through programming

Integration of Haskell improves computational skills in physics students

Practical examples of functional programming in physics education

Abstract

Electromagnetic theory is central to physics. An undergraduate major in physics typically takes a semester or a year of electromagnetic theory as a junior or senior, and a graduate student in physics typically takes an additional semester or year at a more advanced level. In fall 2023, the author taught his undergraduate electricity and magnetism class using numerical methods in Haskell in parallel with traditional analytical methods. This article describes what functional programming has to offer to physics in general, and electromagnetic theory in particular. We give examples from vector calculus, the mathematical language in which electromagnetic theory is expressed, and electromagnetic theory itself.