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4196 results in General and Classical Physics

Page 85 of 210

All You Wanted to Know about Mathematics but Were Afraid to Ask
  • Mathematics Applied to Science
  • Volume 1
  • Louis Lyons
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    05 October 1995
  • Why is the square root of minus one relevant to electrical circuits? Can geometry be used to solve problems in the physical sciences? How could you help a being on a distant planet distinguish left and right? With a clear understanding of mathematics, these questions can be solved. But in many textbooks, mathematical proofs and techniques cloud the issue of understanding the physical principles. This book shows why particular techniques are useful by providing clear and full explanations. The aim is to convey a deeper appreciation of mathematical methods that are applicable to physics and engineering. A wide range of real physical problems are discussed. The author has thirty years experience of teaching mathematics to undergraduates. This book is based on the explanations he has found to be most successful in teaching.

Electricity and Magnetism
  • W. N. Cottingham, D. A. Greenwood
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    14 November 1991
  • This is an undergraduate textbook on the physics of electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic fields and waves. It is written mainly with the physics student in mind, although it will also be of use to students of electrical and electronic engineering. The approach is concise but clear, and the authors have assumed that the reader will be familiar with the basic phenomena. The theory, however, is set out in a completely self-contained and coherent way, is developed to the point where the reader can appreciate the beauty and coherence of the Maxwell equations, and is applied to a wide range of topics. Each chapter ends with a set of problems, answers to which are also provided. The authors have extensive experience of teaching physics to undergraduate students at the University of Bristol. The clarity of the mathematical treatment they provide will facilitate a thorough grasp of the subject, and makes this a highly attractive text.

A Student's Guide to Vectors and Tensors
  • Daniel A. Fleisch
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    22 September 2011
  • Vectors and tensors are among the most powerful problem-solving tools available, with applications ranging from mechanics and electromagnetics to general relativity. Understanding the nature and application of vectors and tensors is critically important to students of physics and engineering. Adopting the same approach used in his highly popular A Student's Guide to Maxwell's Equations, Fleisch explains vectors and tensors in plain language. Written for undergraduate and beginning graduate students, the book provides a thorough grounding in vectors and vector calculus before transitioning through contra and covariant components to tensors and their applications. Matrices and their algebra are reviewed on the book's supporting website, which also features interactive solutions to every problem in the text where students can work through a series of hints or choose to see the entire solution at once. Audio podcasts give students the opportunity to hear important concepts in the book explained by the author.

A Student's Guide to Maxwell's Equations
  • Daniel Fleisch
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    10 January 2008
  • Gauss's law for electric fields, Gauss's law for magnetic fields, Faraday's law, and the Ampere–Maxwell law are four of the most influential equations in science. In this guide for students, each equation is the subject of an entire chapter, with detailed, plain-language explanations of the physical meaning of each symbol in the equation, for both the integral and differential forms. The final chapter shows how Maxwell's equations may be combined to produce the wave equation, the basis for the electromagnetic theory of light. This book is a wonderful resource for undergraduate and graduate courses in electromagnetism and electromagnetics. A website hosted by the author at www.cambridge.org/9780521701471 contains interactive solutions to every problem in the text as well as audio podcasts to walk students through each chapter.

Chaotic Dynamics
  • An Introduction Based on Classical Mechanics
  • Tamás Tél, Márton Gruiz
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    24 August 2006
  • In the past few decades we have come to understand that even motions in simple systems can have complex and surprising properties. Chaotic Dynamics provides a clear introduction to these chaotic phenomena, based on geometrical interpretations and simple arguments, without the need for prior in-depth scientific and mathematical knowledge. Richly illustrated throughout, examples are taken from classical mechanics whose elementary laws are familiar to the reader. In order to emphasize the general features of chaos, the most important relations are also given in simple mathematical forms, independent of any mechanical interpretation. A broad range of potential applications are presented, ranging from everyday phenomena through engineering and environmental problems to astronomical aspects. Chaos occurs in a variety of scientific disciplines, and proves to be the rule, not the exception. This book is primarily intended for undergraduate students in science, engineering, and mathematics.

All You Wanted to Know about Mathematics but Were Afraid to Ask
  • Mathematics for Science Students
  • Volume 2
  • Louis Lyons
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    30 April 1998
  • This book, first published in 1998, is the second in a two volume work and introduces integral and differential calculus, waves, matrices, and eigenvectors for undergraduates in physics and engineering. Together, the two volumes cover all the mathematics needed for an introductory course in the physical sciences. The approach taken is to learn through understanding real examples, showing mathematics as a tool for understanding physical systems and their behaviour. The aim is to make the student feel at home with real problems by creating a toolkit through a wide range of examples. The traditional approach of teaching theory for its own sake is not used in this course. Dr. Lyons brings a wealth of teaching experience to this refreshing textbook on the fundamentals of mathematics for physics and engineering.

Thermal Physics
  • Ralph Baierlein
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    15 July 1999
  • Clear and reader-friendly, this is an ideal textbook for students seeking an introduction to thermal physics. Written by an experienced teacher and extensively class-tested, Thermal Physics provides a comprehensive grounding in thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetic theory. A key feature of this text is its readily accessible introductory chapters, which begin with a review of fundamental ideas. Entropy, conceived microscopically and statistically, and the Second Law of Thermodynamics are introduced early in the book. Throughout, topics are built on a conceptual foundation of four linked elements: entropy and the Second Law, the canonical probability distribution, the partition function, and the chemical potential. As well as providing a solid preparation in the basics of the subject, the text goes on to explain exciting recent developments such as Bose-Einstein condensation and critical phenomena. Key equations are highlighted throughout, and each chapter contains a summary of essential ideas and an extensive set of problems of varying degrees of difficulty. A free solutions manual is available for instructors (ISBN 0521 658608). Thermal Physics is suitable for both undergraduates and graduates in physics and astronomy.

Classical Dynamics
  • A Contemporary Approach
  • Jorge V. José, Eugene J. Saletan
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    13 August 1998
  • Advances in the study of dynamical systems have revolutionized the way that classical mechanics is taught and understood. Classical Dynamics, first published in 1998, is a comprehensive textbook that provides a complete description of this fundamental branch of physics. The authors cover all the material that one would expect to find in a standard graduate course: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, canonical transformations, the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, perturbation methods, and rigid bodies. They also deal with more advanced topics such as the relativistic Kepler problem, Liouville and Darboux theorems, and inverse and chaotic scattering. A key feature of the book is the early introduction of geometric (differential manifold) ideas, as well as detailed treatment of topics in nonlinear dynamics (such as the KAM theorem) and continuum dynamics (including solitons). The book contains many worked examples and over 200 homework exercises. It will be an ideal textbook for graduate students of physics, applied mathematics, theoretical chemistry, and engineering, as well as a useful reference for researchers in these fields. A solutions manual is available exclusively for instructors.

Handbook of CCD Astronomy
  • 2nd edition
  • Steve B. Howell
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    02 March 2006
  • Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) are the state-of-the-art detector in many fields of observational science. Updated to include all of the latest developments in CCDs, this second edition of the Handbook of CCD Astronomy is a concise and accessible reference on all practical aspects of using CCDs. Starting with their electronic workings, it discusses their basic characteristics and then gives methods and examples of how to determine these values. While the book focuses on the use of CCDs in professional observational astronomy, advanced amateur astronomers, and researchers in physics, chemistry, medical imaging, and remote sensing will also find it very valuable. Tables of useful and hard-to-find data, key practical equations, and new exercises round off the book and ensure that it provides an ideal introduction to the practical use of CCDs for graduate students, and a handy reference for more experienced users.

Classical Mechanics
  • Transformations, Flows, Integrable and Chaotic Dynamics
  • Joseph L. McCauley
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    08 May 1997
  • This is an advanced 1997 text for first-year graduate students in physics and engineering taking a standard classical mechanics course. It was the first book to describe the subject in the context of the language and methods of modern nonlinear dynamics. The organising principle of the text is integrability vs. nonintegrability. Flows in phase space and transformations are introduced early and systematically and are applied throughout the text. The standard integrable problems of elementary physics are analysed from the standpoint of flows, transformations, and integrability. This approach then allows the author to introduce most of the interesting ideas of modern nonlinear dynamics via the most elementary nonintegrable problems of Newtonian mechanics. This text will be of value to physicists and engineers taking graduate courses in classical mechanics. It will also interest specialists in nonlinear dynamics, mathematicians, engineers and system theorists.

A Philosophical Guide to Chance
  • Physical Probability
  • Toby Handfield
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    05 April 2012
  • It is a commonplace that scientific inquiry makes extensive use of probabilities, many of which seem to be objective chances, describing features of reality that are independent of our minds. Such chances appear to have a number of paradoxical or puzzling features: they appear to be mind-independent facts, but they are intimately connected with rational psychology; they display a temporal asymmetry, but they are supposed to be grounded in physical laws that are time-symmetric; and chances are used to explain and predict frequencies of events, although they cannot be reduced to those frequencies. This book offers an accessible and non-technical introduction to these and other puzzles. Toby Handfield engages with traditional metaphysics and philosophy of science, drawing upon recent work in the foundations of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics to provide a novel account of objective probability that is empirically informed without requiring specialist scientific knowledge.

Handbook of X-ray Astronomy
  • Edited by Keith Arnaud, Randall Smith, Aneta Siemiginowska
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    29 September 2011
  • Modern x-ray data, available through online archives, are important for many astronomical topics. However, using these data requires specialized techniques and software. Written for graduate students, professional astronomers and researchers who want to start working in this field, this book is a practical guide to x-ray astronomy. The handbook begins with x-ray optics, basic detector physics and CCDs, before focussing on data analysis. It introduces the reduction and calibration of x-ray data, scientific analysis, archives, statistical issues and the particular problems of highly extended sources. The book describes the main hardware used in x-ray astronomy, emphasizing the implications for data analysis. The concepts behind common x-ray astronomy data analysis software are explained. The appendices present reference material often required during data analysis.

Analytical Mechanics
  • Louis N. Hand, Janet D. Finch
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    13 November 1998
  • Analytical Mechanics, first published in 1999, provides a detailed introduction to the key analytical techniques of classical mechanics, one of the cornerstones of physics. It deals with all the important subjects encountered in an undergraduate course and prepares the reader thoroughly for further study at graduate level. The authors set out the fundamentals of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics early on in the book and go on to cover such topics as linear oscillators, planetary orbits, rigid-body motion, small vibrations, nonlinear dynamics, chaos, and special relativity. A special feature is the inclusion of many 'e-mail questions', which are intended to facilitate dialogue between the student and instructor. Many worked examples are given, and there are 250 homework exercises to help students gain confidence and proficiency in problem-solving. It is an ideal textbook for undergraduate courses in classical mechanics, and provides a sound foundation for graduate study.

Thermal Physics
  • Concepts and Practice
  • Allen L. Wasserman
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    27 October 2011
  • Thermodynamics has benefited from nearly 100 years of parallel development with quantum mechanics. As a result, thermal physics has been considerably enriched in concepts, technique and purpose, and now has a dominant role in the developments of physics, chemistry and biology. This unique book explores the meaning and application of these developments using quantum theory as the starting point. The book links thermal physics and quantum mechanics in a natural way. Concepts are combined with interesting examples, and entire chapters are dedicated to applying the principles to familiar, practical and unusual situations. Together with end-of-chapter exercises, this book gives advanced undergraduate and graduate students a modern perception and appreciation for this remarkable subject.

A Student's Guide to Fourier Transforms
  • With Applications in Physics and Engineering
  • 2nd edition
  • J. F. James
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    19 September 2002
  • Fourier transform theory is of central importance in a vast range of applications in physical science, engineering, and applied mathematics. This new edition of a successful student text provides a concise introduction to the theory and practice of Fourier transforms, using qualitative arguments wherever possible and avoiding unnecessary mathematics. After a brief description of the basic ideas and theorems, the power of the technique is then illustrated by referring to particular applications in optics, spectroscopy, electronics and telecommunications. The rarely discussed but important field of multi-dimensional Fourier theory is covered, including a description of computer-aided tomography (CAT-scanning). The final chapter discusses digital methods, with particular attention to the fast Fourier transform. Throughout, discussion of these applications is reinforced by the inclusion of worked examples. The book assumes no previous knowledge of the subject, and will be invaluable to students of physics, electrical and electronic engineering, and computer science.

Introduction to Classical Mechanics
  • With Problems and Solutions
  • David Morin
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    10 January 2008
  • This textbook covers all the standard introductory topics in classical mechanics, including Newton's laws, oscillations, energy, momentum, angular momentum, planetary motion, and special relativity. It also explores more advanced topics, such as normal modes, the Lagrangian method, gyroscopic motion, fictitious forces, 4-vectors, and general relativity. It contains more than 250 problems with detailed solutions so students can easily check their understanding of the topic. There are also over 350 unworked exercises which are ideal for homework assignments. Password protected solutions are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521876223. The vast number of problems alone makes it an ideal supplementary text for all levels of undergraduate physics courses in classical mechanics. Remarks are scattered throughout the text, discussing issues that are often glossed over in other textbooks, and it is thoroughly illustrated with more than 600 figures to help demonstrate key concepts.

An Introduction to Mechanics
  • Daniel Kleppner, Robert J. Kolenkow
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    06 May 2010
  • In the years since it was first published, this classic introductory textbook has established itself as one of the best-known and most highly regarded descriptions of Newtonian mechanics. Intended for undergraduate students with foundation skills in mathematics and a deep interest in physics, it systematically lays out the principles of mechanics: vectors, Newton's laws, momentum, energy, rotational motion, angular momentum and noninertial systems, and includes chapters on central force motion, the harmonic oscillator, and relativity. Numerous worked examples demonstrate how the principles can be applied to a wide range of physical situations, and more than 600 figures illustrate methods for approaching physical problems. The book also contains over 200 challenging problems to help the student develop a strong understanding of the subject. Password-protected solutions are available for instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521198219.

Advanced Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Science Students
  • G. Stephenson, P. M. Radmore
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    12 April 1990
  • This book provides a solid foundation to a number of important topics in mathematics of interest to science and engineering students. The authors' approach is simple and direct, the emphasis being on the analytical structure and applications of the material. The text is virtually self-contained, assuming only that the student has received a good basic course in ancillary mathematics. Each chapter contains a large number of worked examples, and concludes with problems for solution, with answers given in the back of the book. There is no comparable text that covers this material in such a concise form. This book will be of great value to undergraduates in physics, chemistry, theoretical biology, and in all engineering disciplines, as a source book of advanced mathematical methods, and also to postgraduate students as a revision text.

Physics with Answers
  • 500 Problems and Solutions
  • Andrew R. King, Oded Regev
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    28 May 1997
  • Physics with Answers contains 500 problems covering the full range of introductory physics and its applications to many other subjects, along with clear, step-by-step solutions to each problem. No calculus is required. By attempting these exercises and learning from the solutions, students will gain confidence in solving class problems and improve their grasp of physics. The book is split into two parts. The first contains the problems, together with useful summaries of the main results needed for solving them. The second part gives full solutions to each problem, often accompanied by thoughtful comments. Subjects covered include statics, Newton's Laws, circular motion, gravitation, electricity and magnetism, electric circuits, liquids and gases, heat and thermodynamics, light and waves, atomic physics, and relativity. The book will be invaluable to anyone taking an introductory course in physics, whether at college or pre-university level.

Essentials of Hamiltonian Dynamics
  • John H. Lowenstein
  • Published online:
    05 June 2012
    Print publication:
    19 January 2012
  • Classical dynamics is one of the cornerstones of advanced education in physics and applied mathematics, with applications across engineering, chemistry and biology. In this book, the author uses a concise and pedagogical style to cover all the topics necessary for a graduate-level course in dynamics based on Hamiltonian methods. Readers are introduced to the impressive advances in the field during the second half of the twentieth century, including KAM theory and deterministic chaos. Essential to these developments are some exciting ideas from modern mathematics, which are introduced carefully and selectively. Core concepts and techniques are discussed, together with numerous concrete examples to illustrate key principles. A special feature of the book is the use of computer software to investigate complex dynamical systems, both analytically and numerically. This text is ideal for graduate students and advanced undergraduates who are already familiar with the Newtonian and Lagrangian treatments of classical mechanics. The book is well suited to a one-semester course, but is easily adapted to a more concentrated format of one-quarter or a trimester. A solutions manual and introduction to Mathematica® are available online at www.cambridge.org/Lowenstein.

Page 85 of 210