Neoclassical Physics


Book Description

In this introductory text, physics concepts are introduced as a means of understanding experimental observations, not as a sequential list of facts to be memorized. The book is structured around the key scientific discoveries that led to much of our current understanding of the universe. Numerous exercises are provided that utilize Mathematica software to help students explore how the language of mathematics is used to describe physical phenomena. Topics requiring quantum mechanics for a more complete explanation are identified but not pursued. In a departure from the traditional methodology and subject matter used in introductory physics texts, this is organized in a manner that will facilitate a guided discovery style of instruction. Students will obtain much more detailed information about fewer topics and will also gain proficiency with Mathematica, a powerful tool with many potential uses in subsequent courses.




Neo-Classical Physics or Quantum Mechanics?


Book Description

There is an uncanny resemblance between Christianity in the middle ages and Physics in the twenty-first century. Formerly, the common man could neither read nor understand the scriptures, as they were written in Latin; the clergy had to interpret the scriptures for the laity with predictable results. Physics in the twenty-first century is similar. Only mathematicians with doctoral degree can understand the universe and how it works, to the rest of mankind the universe is an area of darkness. This is not by any means a desirable development. As human beings, we are all sentient individuals and as such are expected to enquire about our environment, the world around us, and the universe we live in. On a fundamental philosophical basis, it is wrong to believe that such knowledge, whether by circumstance or by design, is limited to a privileged few. This book explains the universe for the first time in a way that is comprehensible to everyone. Neo-classical physics undertakes the study of the behaviour of the universe as an entity, and the physics of sub-atomic particles is easy to understand in everyday terms. Neo-classical physics is the language that sets you free – free to see, free to comprehend and free to wonder anew.




Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics


Book Description

Graduate-level text offers unified treatment of mathematics applicable to many branches of physics. Theory of vector spaces, analytic function theory, theory of integral equations, group theory, and more. Many problems. Bibliography.




Probing the Future


Book Description

The book consists of two parts. The first is a historical survey of some of mankind's attempts to predict the future since antiquity, including the visions of philosophers, scientists, inventors, writers, and filmmakers, as well as some famously bad predictions by distinguished people. The second part consists of a casual (non-mathematical) discussion of the modeling of dynamical systems and the issues that relate to predicting the future states of such systems.




Chaos in Classical and Quantum Mechanics


Book Description

Describes the chaos apparent in simple mechanical systems with the goal of elucidating the connections between classical and quantum mechanics. It develops the relevant ideas of the last two decades via geometric intuition rather than algebraic manipulation. The historical and cultural background against which these scientific developments have occurred is depicted, and realistic examples are discussed in detail. This book enables entry-level graduate students to tackle fresh problems in this rich field.




Quantum Mechanics of Particles and Wave Fields


Book Description

A complete explanation of quantum mechanics, from its early non-relativistic formulation to the complex field theories used so extensively in modern theoretical research, this volume assumes no specialized knowledge of the subject. It stresses relativistic quantum mechanics, since this subject plays such an important role in research, explaining the principles clearly and imparting an accurate understanding of abstract concepts. This text deals with quantum mechanics from its earliest developments, covering both the quantum mechanics of wave fields and the older quantum theory of particles. The final chapter culminates with the author's presentation of his revolutionary theory of fundamental length--a concept designed to meet many of quantum theory's longstanding basic difficulties.




The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics


Book Description

This is an exceptionally accessible, accurate, and non-technical introduction to quantum mechanics. After briefly summarizing the differences between classical and quantum behaviour, this engaging account considers the Stern-Gerlach experiment and its implications, treats the concepts of probability, and then discusses the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell's theorem. Quantal interference and the concept of amplitudes are introduced and the link revealed between probabilities and the interference of amplitudes. Quantal amplitude is employed to describe interference effects. Final chapters explore exciting new developments in quantum computation and cryptography, discover the unexpected behaviour of a quantal bouncing-ball, and tackle the challenge of describing a particle with no position. Thought-provoking problems and suggestions for further reading are included. Suitable for use as a course text, The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics enables students to develop a genuine understanding of the domain of the very small. It will also appeal to general readers seeking intellectual adventure.




The Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics


Book Description

Delve into the fascinating world of theoretical physics with this comprehensive book covering topics such as quantum mechanics, general relativity, string theory, and cosmology. Explore the core concepts and developments in theoretical physics, from the Standard Model of particle physics to the search for dark matter and emerging technologies. Engage in debates surrounding multiverse theories and quantum information theory while gaining insights into the future directions of theoretical physics. Perfect for physics enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of the universe.




A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics


Book Description

Inspired by Richard Feynman and J.J. Sakurai, A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics allows lecturers to expose their undergraduates to Feynman's approach to quantum mechanics while simultaneously giving them a textbook that is well-ordered, logical and pedagogically sound. This book covers all the topics that are typically presented in a standard upper-level course in quantum mechanics, but its teaching approach is new. Rather than organizing his book according to the historical development of the field and jumping into a mathematical discussion of wave mechanics, Townsend begins his book with the quantum mechanics of spin. Thus, the first five chapters of the book succeed in laying out the fundamentals of quantum mechanics with little or no wave mechanics, so the physics is not obscured by mathematics. Starting with spin systems it gives students straightfoward examples of the structure of quantum mechanics. When wave mechanics is introduced later, students should perceive it correctly as only one aspect of quantum mechanics and not the core of the subject.




Geometric Phases in Classical and Quantum Mechanics


Book Description

Several well-established geometric and topological methods are used in this work in an application to a beautiful physical phenomenon known as the geometric phase. This book examines the geometric phase, bringing together different physical phenomena under a unified mathematical scheme. The material is presented so that graduate students and researchers in applied mathematics and physics with an understanding of classical and quantum mechanics can handle the text.




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