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OverviewVariational 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. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Jean-Louis BasdevantPublisher: Springer Imprint: Springer Volume: 214 Dimensions: Width: 23.40cm , Height: 1.70cm , Length: 15.60cm Weight: 0.454kg ISBN: 9780387515656ISBN 10: 0387515658 Pages: 324 Publication Date: 30 August 2008 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Undefined Publisher's Status: Unknown Availability: Out of stock Language: English & German Table of ContentsReviews<p>From the reviews: <p><p> This book is based on a course given by Professor Basdevant at the Ecole Polytechnique, near Paris. it would be an excellent basis for a course, provided one has the right collection of undergraduates. The book could also be used at a more advanced level in many ways . For anyone with radical tendencies in this direction, Basdevant s book will provide an elegant launching point. (L. S. Schulman, SIAM Review, Vol. 49 (4), 2007)<p> It invites the reader onto the vessel variational principles to embark on a journey through a variety of different areas and regions of physics. In general independent of individual preferences, Basdevant s book provides a well-balanced overview of various old and new areas of theoretical physics based on an approach by variational principles. Not only will students profit from this book, but also more advanced readers might get captivated by it. (H. Hogreve, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2009 f) Author InformationTab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |