Best of
Physics

1977

Geometry, Relativity and the Fourth Dimension


Rudolf Rucker - 1977
    A remarkable pictorial discussion of the curved space-time we call home, it achieves even greater impact through the use of 141 excellent illustrations. This is the first sustained visual account of many important topics in relativity theory that up till now have only been treated separately.Finding a perfect analogy in the situation of the geometrical characters in Flatland, Professor Rucker continues the adventures of the two-dimensional world visited by a three-dimensional being to explain our three-dimensional world in terms of the fourth dimension. Following this adventure into the fourth dimension, the author discusses non-Euclidean geometry, curved space, time as a higher dimension, special relativity, time travel, and the shape of space-time. The mathematics is sound throughout, but the casual reader may skip those few sections that seem too purely mathematical and still follow the line of argument. Readable and interesting in itself, the annotated bibliography is a valuable guide to further study.Professor Rucker teaches mathematics at the State University of New York in Geneseo. Students and laymen will find his discussion to be unusually stimulating. Experienced mathematicians and physicists will find a great deal of original material here and many unexpected novelties. Annotated bibliography. 44 problems.

The First Three Minutes: A Modern View of the Origin of the Universe


Steven Weinberg - 1977
    But almost everything about it, from the elements that forged stars, planets, and lifeforms, to the fundamental forces of physics, can be traced back to what happened in just the first three minutes of its life.In this book, Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg describes in wonderful detail what happened in these first three minutes. It is an exhilarating journey that begins with the Planck Epoch - the earliest period of time in the history of the universe - and goes through Einstein's Theory of Relativity, the Hubble Red Shift, and the detection of the Cosmic Microwave Background. These incredible discoveries all form the foundation for what we now understand as the "standard model" of the origin of the universe. The First Three Minutes examines not only what this model looks like, but also tells the exciting story of the bold thinkers who put it together.Clearly and accessibly written, The First Three Minutes is a modern-day classic, an unsurpassed explanation of where it is we really come from.

Quantum Mechanics


Claude Cohen-Tannoudji - 1977
    Nobel-Prize-winner Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and his colleagues have written this book to eliminate precisely these difficulties. Fourteen chapters provide a clarity of organization, careful attention to pedagogical details, and a wealth of topics and examples which make this work a textbook as well as a timeless reference, allowing to tailor courses to meet students' specific needs. Each chapter starts with a clear exposition of the problem which is then treated, and logically develops the physical and mathematical concept. These chapters emphasize the underlying principles of the material, undiluted by extensive references to applications and practical examples which are put into complementary sections. The book begins with a qualitative introduction to quantum mechanical ideas using simple optical analogies and continues with a systematic and thorough presentation of the mathematical tools and postulates of quantum mechanics as well as a discussion of their physical content. Applications follow, starting with the simplest ones like e.g. the harmonic oscillator, and becoming gradually more complicated (the hydrogen atom, approximation methods, etc.). The complementary sections each expand this basic knowledge, supplying a wide range of applications and related topics as well as detailed expositions of a large number of special problems and more advanced topics, integrated as an essential portion of the text.

Advanced Level Physics


Michael Nelkon - 1977
    Nelkpn and Parker Advanced Level Physics Fourth edition Hardback! Second hand, but mint condition Buyer must pay postage

Engineering Thermodynamics


William Craig Reynolds - 1977
    

The Flying Circus of Physics, Answers


Jearl Walker - 1977
    Walker covers the entirety of naked-eye physics by exploring problems of the everyday world. He focuses on the flight of Frisbees, sounds of thunder, rainbows, sand dunes, soap bubbles, etc., and uses such familiar objects as rubber bands, eggs, tea pots, and Coke bottles. Many references to outside sources guide the way through the problems. Now the inclusion of answers provides immediate feedback, making this an extraordinary approach in applying all of physics to problems of the real world.

Physical Fluid Dynamics


D.J. Tritton - 1977
    In this new edition, much of the material is new or rewritten, but the purpose and style of the first edition are retained. Particular emphasis is given to information obtained by experiment and observation in addition to analysis of the equations of motion. The book's primary concern is to convey a fundamental understanding of the behavior of fluids in motion. Special features include an introductory non-mathematical treatment of three particular flow configurations; extensive consideration of geophysical topics; and detailed coverage of topics that are known primarily through experimental data. Numerous photographs illustrate the phenomena discussed, and a concluding chapter demonstrates the wide applicability of fluid mechanics. New topics in the second edition include double diffusive convection and modern ideas about dynamical chaos. The discussion of instabilities has been restructured and the treatments of separation and of convection in horizontal layers considerably expanded.

Mathematics Applied to Continuum Mechanics


Lee A. Segel - 1977
    For upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of applied mathematics, science and engineering.

Theory of Simple Liquids


Jean-Pierre Hansen - 1977
    It presents the modern, molecular theory of the structural, thermodynamic interfacial and dynamical properties of the liquid phase of materials constituted of atoms, small molecules or ions. This book leans on concepts and methods form classical Statistical Mechanics in which theoretical predictions are systematically compared with experimental data and results from numerical simulations. The overall layout of the book is similar to that of the previous two editions however, there are considerable changes in emphasis and several key additions including: up-to-date presentation of modern theories of liquid-vapour coexistence and criticality areas of considerable present and future interest such as super-cooled liquids and the glass transition the area of liquid metals, which has grown into a mature subject area, now presented as part of the chapter ionic liquids Provides cutting-edge research in the principles of liquid-state theory Includes frequent comparisons of theoretical predictions with experimental and simulation data Suitable for researchers and post-graduates in the field of condensed matter science (Physics, Chemistry, Material Science), biophysics as well as those in the oil industry

C*-Algebras


Jacques Dixmier - 1977
    Because of the amount of material accumulated on unitary representations of groups, the latter pages of the book are devoted to a brief account of some aspects of this subject, particularly since the theory of groups provides some of the most interesting examples of C*-algebras. The theory of C*-algebras is still expanding rapidly, but this work remains a clear and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of the subject.

Group Theory and General Relativity: Representations of the Lorentz Group and Their Applications to the Gravitational Field


Moshe Carmeli - 1977
    It also puts together in one volume many scattered, original works, on the use of group theory in general relativity theory." "Each chapter is concluded with a set of problems. The entire book is self-contained in both group theory and general relativity theory, and no prior knowledge of either is assumed." "The subject of this book constitutes a relevant link between field theoreticians and general relativity theoreticians, who usually work rather independently of each other. The treatise is highly topical and of real interest to theoretical physicists, general relativists and applied mathematicians. It is valuable to graduate students and research workers in quantum field theory, general relativity and elementary particle theory." "Readership: Graduate students and researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, quantum field theory, general relativity, elementary particle theory and applied mathematics."--BOOK JACKET.

Physics of the Earth


Frank D. Stacey - 1977
    Building on the success of previous editions, which have served generations of students and researchers for nearly forty years, this new edition will be an invaluable resource for graduate students looking for the necessary physical and mathematical foundations to embark on their own research careers in geophysics. Several completely new chapters have been added and a series of appendices, presenting fundamental data and advanced mathematical concepts, and an extensive reference list, are provided as tools to aid readers wishing to pursue topics beyond the level of the book. Over 140 student exercises of varying levels of difficulty are also included, and full solutions are available online at www.cambridge.org/9780521873628.

The Cosmic Frontiers of General Relativity


William J. Kaufmann III - 1977
    

Electromagnetic Vibrations, Waves, and Radiation


George Bekefi - 1977
    The main emphasis, however, is on the oscillatory aspects of the electromagnetic field--that is, on the vibrations, waves, radiation, and the interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter.This text was developed over a five-year period during which its authors were teaching the subject. It is the culmination of successful editions of class notes and preliminary texts prepared for their one-semester course at MIT designed for sophomores majoring in physics but taken by students from other departments as well. The book describes the features that vibrations and waves of all sorts have in common and includes examples of mechanical, acoustical, and optical manifestations of these phenomena that unite various parts of physics. The main emphasis, however, is on the oscillatory aspects of the electromagnetic field--that is, on the vibrations, waves, radiation, and the interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter. The content is designed primarily for the use of second or third year students of physics who have had a semester of mechanics and a semester of electricity and magnetism. The aim throughout is to provide a mathematically unsophisticated treatment of the subject, but one that stresses modern applications of the principles involved. Descriptions of devices that embody such principles--such as seismometers, magnetrons, thermo-nuclear fusion experimental configurations, and lasers--are introduced at appropriate points in the text to illustrate the theoretical concepts. Many illustrations from astrophysics are also included.

Pauli Lectures on Physics: Volume 4, Statistical Mechanics


Wolfgang Pauli - 1977
    Alone or as part of the complete set, this volume represents a peerless resource.