A Review of Undergraduate Physics


Book Description

A study aid for senior and graduate level students needing a review of undergraduate physics. Covers a broad range of topics, with carefully worked examples illustrating important problem-solving methods. A collection of self-test problems helps students prepare for the College Entrance Advanced Physics Examination and the Qualifying Written Examination for the PhD.




Advanced University Physics


Book Description

To move from empirical-based physics to the theoretical abstractness required for advanced physics requires a paradigmatic shift in logic that can challenge even the brightest mind. Grasping the play of phenomena as they are described in introductory compendiums does not necessarily create a foundation that allows for the building of a bridge to the higher levels of theoretical physics. In the first edition of Advanced University Physics, respected physicists Stuart Palmer and Mircea Rogalski built that bridge, and then guided readers across it. Serving as a supplement to the standard advanced physics syllabus, their work provided a succinct review of course material, while encouraging the development of a more cohesive understanding of theoretical physics. Now, after incorporating suggestions from many readers and colleagues, the two authors have revised and updated their original work to produce a second, even more poignant, edition. Succinct, cohesive, and comprehensive, Advanced University Physics, Second Edition brings individuals schooled in the rudiments of physics to theoretical fluency. In a progression of concise chapters, the text clarifies concepts from Newtonian Laws to nuclear dynamics, while introducing and building upon the theoretical logic required to operate in the world of contemporary physics. Some chapters have been combined to improve relational clarity, and new material has been added to cover the evolving concepts that have emerged over the last decade in this highly fluid field. The authors have also added a substantial amount of relevant problems and at least one pertinent example for every chapter. Those already steeped in physics will continue to find this work to be a useful reference, as the book's 47 chapters provide the opportunity to become refreshed and updated on a great number of easily identified topics.




Physics from Symmetry


Book Description

This is a textbook that derives the fundamental theories of physics from symmetry. It starts by introducing, in a completely self-contained way, all mathematical tools needed to use symmetry ideas in physics. Thereafter, these tools are put into action and by using symmetry constraints, the fundamental equations of Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, Electromagnetism, and Classical Mechanics are derived. As a result, the reader is able to understand the basic assumptions behind, and the connections between the modern theories of physics. The book concludes with first applications of the previously derived equations. Thanks to the input of readers from around the world, this second edition has been purged of typographical errors and also contains several revised sections with improved explanations.







Principles of Physics


Book Description

This textbook presents a basic course in physics to teach mechanics, mechanical properties of matter, thermal properties of matter, elementary thermodynamics, electrodynamics, electricity, magnetism, light and optics and sound. It includes simple mathematical approaches to each physical principle, and all examples and exercises are selected carefully to reinforce each chapter. In addition, answers to all exercises are included that should ultimately help solidify the concepts in the minds of the students and increase their confidence in the subject. Many boxed features are used to separate the examples from the text and to highlight some important physical outcomes and rules. The appendices are chosen in such a way that all basic simple conversion factors, basic rules and formulas, basic rules of differentiation and integration can be viewed quickly, helping student to understand the elementary mathematical steps used for solving the examples and exercises. Instructors teaching form this textbook will be able to gain online access to the solutions manual which provides step-by-step solutions to all exercises contained in the book. The solutions manual also contains many tips, coloured illustrations, and explanations on how the solutions were derived.




A Complete Course on Theoretical Physics


Book Description

Kompakt und verständlich führt dieses Lehrbuch in die Grundlagen der theoretischen Physik ein. Dabei werden die üblichen Themen der Grundvorlesungen Mechanik, Elektrodynamik, Relativitätstheorie, Quantenmechanik , Thermodynamik und Statistik in einem Band zusammengefasst, um den Zusammenhang zwischen den einzelnen Teilgebieten besonders zu betonen. Ein Kapitel mit mathematischen Grundlagen der Physik erleichtert den Einstieg. Zahlreiche Übungsaufgaben dienen der Vertiefung des Stoffes.




An Introduction to Mechanics


Book Description

This second edition is ideal for classical mechanics courses for first- and second-year undergraduates with foundation skills in mathematics.




Basic Concepts in Physics


Book Description

"Basic Concepts in Physics: From the Cosmos to Quarks" is the outcome of the authors' long and varied teaching experience in different countries and for different audiences, and gives an accessible and eminently readable introduction to all the main ideas of modern physics. The book’s fresh approach, using a novel combination of historical and conceptual viewpoints, makes it ideal complementary reading to more standard textbooks. The first five chapters are devoted to classical physics, from planetary motion to special relativity, always keeping in mind its relevance to questions of contemporary interest. The next six chapters deal mainly with newer developments in physics, from quantum theory and general relativity to grand unified theories, and the book concludes by discussing the role of physics in living systems. A basic grounding in mathematics is required of the reader, but technicalities are avoided as far as possible; thus complex calculations are omitted so long as the essential ideas remain clear. The book is addressed to undergraduate and graduate students in physics and will also be appreciated by many professional physicists. It will likewise be of interest to students, researchers and teachers of other natural sciences, as well as to engineers, high-school teachers and the curious general reader, who will come to understand what physics is about and how it describes the different phenomena of Nature. Not only will readers of this book learn much about physics, they will also learn to love it.




Modern Physics and Technology for Undergraduates


Book Description

This textbook connects an undergraduate course in physics with modern science and technology. The first part of the book gives an overview of "hot" directions in modern physics and technology. The second part contains problems which are related to those directions. Where necessary, the problems have detailed solutions. The text also includes a brief review of undergraduate physics.A huge chasm has developed between modern science and undergraduate education. The result of this chasm is that students who are graduating from college are unable to exploit the many opportunities offered by modern science and technology. Consequently, student interest in undergraduate physics is very low. The authors purpose to try to bridge this chasm between modern science and technology and undergraduate education.Modern science and technology widely uses the methods of classical physics, but these modern applications are not reflected in the problems on physics often suggested to students. Solving practical problems is a very effective way to inform students about contemporary science, to show the important relationships between modern and classical physics, and to prepare them for future activity in the modern technological environment. The authors have prepared a set of problems based on some of the latest development in science and technology which can be solved using the classical physics accessible in a standard undergraduate program.




Fundamentals of Quantum Physics


Book Description

This book presents a comprehensive course of quantum mechanics for undergraduate and graduate students. After a brief outline of the innovative ideas that lead up to the quantum theory, the book reviews properties of the Schrödinger equation, the quantization phenomena and the physical meaning of wave functions. The book discusses, in a direct and intelligible style, topics of the standard quantum formalism like the dynamical operators and their expected values, the Heisenberg and matrix representation, the approximate methods, the Dirac notation, harmonic oscillator, angular momentum and hydrogen atom, the spin-field and spin-orbit interactions, identical particles and Bose-Einstein condensation etc. Special emphasis is devoted to study the tunneling phenomena, transmission coefficients, phase coherence, energy levels splitting and related phenomena, of interest for quantum devices and heterostructures. The discussion of these problems and the WKB approximation is done using the transfer matrix method, introduced at a tutorial level. This book is a textbook for upper undergraduate physics and electronic engineering students.