Variational Principles in Physics

1. Auflage. Softcover version of original hardcover Auflage 2007
ISBN: 978-1-4419-2279-3
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 183 Seiten, Previously published in hardcover, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 486 g

Variational principles have proven to be surprisingly fertile. For example, Fermat used variational methods to demonstrate that light follows the fastest route from one point to another, an idea which came to be a cornerstone of geometrical optics. This book explains variational principles and charts their use throughout modern physics. It examines the analytical mechanics of Lagrange and Hamilton, the basic tools of any physicist. The book also offers simple but rich first impressions of Einstein’s General Relativity, Feynman’s Quantum Mechanics, and more that reveal amazing interconnections between various fields of physics.

Zielgruppe

Graduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Basdevant, Jean-Louis

Fachgebiete

• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Mathematische Analysis Variationsrechnung
• Mathematik | Informatik Mathematik Operations Research Spieltheorie
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Mechanik Klassische Mechanik, Newtonsche Mechanik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Theoretische Physik, Mathematische Physik, Computerphysik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Geschichte der Physik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Physik Allgemein Experimentalphysik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Variational Principles.- The Analytical Mechanics of Lagrange.- Hamilton’s Canonical Formalism.- Lagrangian Field Theory.- Motion in a Curved Space.- Feynman’s Principle in Quantum Mechanics.

Über Autor(innen)

A graduate of the Ecole Normale Superieure, Jean-Louis Basdevant is Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics at the Ecole Polytechnique, and Director of Research for the CNRS. Specializing in the theoretical physics of elementary particles, quantum field theory and astrophysics, Prof. Basdevant works in the Leprince-Ringuet Laboratory at the Ecole Polytechnique.