Theoretical Concepts in Physics: An Alternative View of Theoretical Reasoning in PhysicsCambridge University Press, 2003 M12 4 - 588 pages A highly original, and truly novel, approach to theoretical reasoning in physics. This book illuminates the subject from the perspective of real physics as practised by research scientists. It is intended to be a supplement to the final years of an undergraduate course in physics and assumes that the reader has some grasp of university physics. By means of a series of seven case studies, the author conveys the excitement of research and discovery, highlighting the intellectual struggles to attain understanding of some of the most difficult concepts in physics. Case studies include the origins of Newton's law of gravitation, Maxwell's equations, mechanics and dynamics, linear and non-linear, thermodynamics and statistical physics, the origins of the concepts of quanta, special relativity, general relativity and cosmology. The approach is the same as that in the highly acclaimed first edition, but the text has been completely revised and many new topics introduced. |
Contents
Preface and acknowledgements | |
Study | |
gravity | |
Newton and thelaw of gravity | |
fields produced by currents 6 How to rewrite the history of electromagnetism 6 1 Introduction | |
Case Study III Mechanics and dynamics linear and non | |
Approaches to mechanics anddynamics 7 1 Newtons lawsofmotion 7 2 Principles ofleast action | |
8 | |
ofthequantum hypothesis 15 1 situation in1909 15 2 Fluctuations of particles in a | |
Appendix | |
Appendix | |
6 | |
the law | |
The detectionofsignals inthepresence of noise | |
Appendix | |
brief The technology | |
Kinetic theory and the origin ofstatistical mechanics | |
Case Study | |
12 | |
Planckandthe spectrum ofblackbody radiation 12 1 Plancks early career 12 2 Oscillators and their radiation in thermal equilibrium | |
Einstein | |
transformation of light 14 3 The quantum theory of solids | |
triumph | |
Cosmology | |
Isotropiccurved spaces | |
of cosmology | |
Epilogue | |
Rayleighs paper of1900 Remarksupon radiation 13 Plancks theoryofblackbody radiation 13 1 Introduction | |
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Theoretical Concepts in Physics: An Alternative View of Theoretical ... M. S. Longair No preview available - 2003 |
Common terms and phrases
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