Best of
Physics

1980

Wholeness and the Implicate Order


David Bohm - 1980
    Although deeply influenced by Einstein, he was also, more unusually for a scientist, inspired by mysticism. Indeed, in the 1970s and 1980s he made contact with both J. Krishnamurti and the Dalai Lama whose teachings helped shape his work. In both science and philosophy, Bohm's main concern was with understanding the nature of reality in general and of consciousness in particular. In this classic work he develops a theory of quantum physics which treats the totality of existence as an unbroken whole. Writing clearly and without technical jargon, he makes complex ideas accessible to anyone interested in the nature of reality.

Principles of Quantum Mechanics


Ramamurti Shankar - 1980
    The postulates of quantum mechanics and the mathematical underpinnings are discussed in a clear, succinct manner." (American Scientist)"No matter how gently one introduces students to the concept of Dirac's bras and kets, many are turned off. Shankar attacks the problem head-on in the first chapter, and in a very informal style suggests that there is nothing to be frightened of." (Physics Bulletin)Reviews of the Second Edition:"This massive text of 700 and odd pages has indeed an excellent get-up, is very verbal and expressive, and has extensively worked out calculational details---all just right for a first course. The style is conversational, more like a corridor talk or lecture notes, though arranged as a text. ... It would be particularly useful to beginning students and those in allied areas like quantum chemistry." (Mathematical Reviews)R. Shankar has introduced major additions and updated key presentations in this second edition of Principles of Quantum Mechanics. New features of this innovative text include an entirely rewritten mathematical introduction, a discussion of Time-reversal invariance, and extensive coverage of a variety of path integrals and their applications. Additional highlights include:- Clear, accessible treatment of underlying mathematics- A review of Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian mechanics- Student understanding of quantum theory is enhanced by separate treatment of mathematical theorems and physical postulates- Unsurpassed coverage of path integrals and their relevance in contemporary physicsThe requisite text for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students, Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Second Edition is fully referenced and is supported by many exercises and solutions. The book's self-contained chapters also make it suitable for independent study as well as for courses in applied disciplines.

Principles of Optics: Electromagnetic Theory of Propagation, Interference and Diffraction of Light


Max Born - 1980
    This edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, with new material covering the CAT scan, interference with broad-band light and the so-called Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction theory. This edition also details scattering from inhomogeneous media and presents an account of the principles of diffraction tomography to which Emil Wolf has made a basic contribution. Several new appendices are also included. This new edition will be invaluable to advanced undergraduates, graduate students and researchers working in most areas of optics.

Electrodynamics and Classical Theory of Fields and Particles


Asım O. Barut - 1980
    This graduate-level text was written by a distinguished theoretical physicist. It deftly reveals the classical underpinnings of modern quantum field theory with explorations of space-time, Lorentz transformations, conservation laws, equations of motion, Green’s functions, and action-at-a-distance electrodynamics. 1964 edition.

Nuclear Energy: An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes


Raymond L. Murray - 1980
    Attention will also be given to the developments in such countries as Russia, Ukraine, France, Sweden, South Korea, China and Third World Countries. The author also looks at the problems of nuclear weapons proliferation and the potential threat from terrorist organizations or reckless countries. In addition, the author has identified Web sites and other electronic information sources to supplement all of the topics covered in this book. * Latest edition with updated content in important subject areas* Free downloadable software accompanies book contents* Revised instructor's manual to accompany book

Molecular Vibrations: The Theory of Infrared and Raman Vibrational Spectra


E. Bright Wilson - 1980
    As the pioneering text in the field and as the text still preferred today, Molecular Vibrations is the undeniable choice of anyone teaching or studying molecular spectroscopy at the graduate level. It is the only book of its kind in the area written by well-known scientists, and besides its value as a pedagogical classic, it is an essential reference for anyone engaged in research. The genius of the book is its rigorous, elegant treatment of the mathematics involved in detailed vibrational analyses of polyatomic molecules. The reader is led carefully and gradually through the main features of the theory and its methods: starting from a valuable introduction to the theory of molecular vibrations and the application of wave mechanics to this subject; leading into the mathematical methods devised by Professor Wilson and his students for handling the mathematical problems and for making use of symmetry and group theory; proceeding through vibrational selection rules and intensities, potential functions and methods of solving the secular determinant; and concluding with a sample vibrational analysis of the molecule of benzene. Sixteen appendices, comprising nearly one hundred pages, offer much extremely useful information that is more clearly understood outside the body of the text. Well-known for their distinguished contributions to the field, the authors — in addition to Professor Wilson of Harvard University — are J. C. Decius of Oregon State University and Paul C. Cross, late President of Mellon Institute. Younger students interested in the field of molecular spectroscopy will especially welcome this inexpensive reprint edition of an exceptional book. "An authoritative and complete presentation written on a very high level." — G. Herzberg, Science"The easiest and quickest route to acquiring skill in handling the mathematics of molecular vibrations." — Nature

Albert Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity: Emergence (1905) and Early Interpretation, 1905-1911


Arthur I. Miller - 1980
    The second of these papers, "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies", established what Einstein sometimes referred to as the "so-called Theory of Relativity". Miller uses the paper to provide a window on the intense intellectual struggles of physicists in the first decade of the 20th century: the interplay between physical theory and empirical data; the fiercely held notions that could not be articulated clearly or verified experimentally; the great intellectual investment in existing theories, data, and interpretations - and associated intellectual inertia - and the drive to the long-sought-for unification of the sciences. Since its original publication, this book has become a standard reference and sourcebook for the history and philosophy of science; however, it can equally well serve as a text on twentieth-century philosophy.

The Physics of Atoms and Quanta: Introduction to Experiments and Theory


Hermann Haken - 1980
    Every classical and modern aspect is covered and discussed in detail. As this text ends with the fundamentals of classical bonding, it leads into the second and more advanced book by the same authors entitled "Molecular Physics and Elements of Quantum Chemistry." This 6th edition includes new developments, such as new experiments on quantum entanglement, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradoxon, Bell's inequality, Schr??dinger's cat, and decoherence; the quantum computer, quantum information, Bose-Einstein-Condensation, and the atom laser are also discussed. Here, the student will find 170 problems and their solutions, which make this book a real study text.

From Atoms to Quarks


James S. Trefil - 1980
    An accessible guide for the general reader that reveals the mystery and beauty of physics as few books have before.

Geometrical Methods of Mathematical Physics


Bernard F. Schutz - 1980
    This textbook provides an introduction to these methods - in particular Lie derivatives, Lie groups and differential forms - and covers their extensive applications to theoretical physics. The reader is assumed to have some familiarity with advanced calculus, linear algebra and a little elementary operator theory. The advanced physics undergraduate should therefore find the presentation quite accessible. This account will prove valuable for those with backgrounds in physics and applied mathematics who desire an introduction to the subject. Having studied the book, the reader will be able to comprehend research papers that use this mathematics and follow more advanced pure-mathematical expositions.

Encounters with Einstein and Other Essays on People, Places and Particles


Werner Heisenberg - 1980
    Are the problems we define and pursue freely chosen according to our conscious interests? Or does the historical process itself determine which phenomena merit examination at any one time? Heisenberg discusses these issues in the most far-ranging philosophical terms, while illustrating them with specific examples.

Physics-Everyday Phenomena: Art & Tech


Jearl Walker - 1980
    

The Large-Scale Structure of the Universe


P.J.E. Peebles - 1980
    P. J. E. Peebles argues that the evolution proceeded from a nearly uniform initial state to a progressively more irregular and clumpy universe. The discussion centers on the largest known structures, the clusters of galaxies, the empirical evidence of the nature of the clustering, and the theories of how the clustering evolves in an expanding universe.In Chapter One the author provides an historical introduction to the subject. Chapter Two contains a survey of methods used to deal with the Newtonian approximation to the theory of the evolution of the mass distribution. Recent progress in the use of statistical measures of the clustering is described in Chapter Three. Chapters Four and Five return to techniques for dealing with cosmic evolution, in the statistical measures of clustering and under general relativity theory. Lastly, in Chapter Six Professor Peebles assesses the progress in attempts to link theory and observation to arrive at a well established physical picture of the nature and evolution of the universe.

The Tragicomical History of Thermodynamics, 1822 1854


Clifford A. Truesdell - 1980
    

Astrophysical Formulae: A Compendium For The Physicist And Astrophysicist


Kenneth R. Lang - 1980
    The Russian editors and translators who kindly supplied this material include V. E. CHERTOPRUD, A. G. DOROSHKEVICH, V. L. HOHLOVA, M. Yu. KHLOPOV, D. K. NADIOZHIN, L. M. UZERNOI, I. G. PERSIANTSEV, L. A. POKROVSKII, A. V. ZASOV, and Yu. K. ZEMTSOV. Supplemental references for the period 1974 to 1980 have also been added as appendix where they are included under the headings of general references and specific references for each chapter. Although specialized references come mainly from American journals, references to reviews and books are also included to help guide the reader to other sources. The author encourages suggestions for additions and corrections to possible future editions of this volume. KENNETH R. LANG Department of Physics, Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts January, 1980 Preface This book is meant to be a reference source for the fundamental formulae of astrophysics. Wherever possible, the original source of the material being pre sented is referenced, together with references to more recent modifications and applications. More accessible reprints and translations of the early papers are also referenced. In this way the reader is provided with the often ignored his torical context together with an orientation to the more recent literature."

From X Rays To Quarks: Modern Physicists And Their Discoveries


Emilio Segrè - 1980
    Rather than a chronological approach, Segrè emphasizes interesting, complex personalities who often appear only in footnotes. Readers will find that this book adds considerably to their understanding of science and includes compelling topics of current interest. 1980 edition. IntroductionH. Becquerel, the Curies, and the discovery of radioactivityRutherford in the new world : the transmutation of elementsPlanck, unwilling revolutionary : the idea of quantizationEinstein, new ways of thinking : space, time, relativity, and quantaSir Ernest and Lord Rutherford of NelsonBohr and atomic modelsA true quantum mechanics at lastThe wonder year 1932 : neutron, positron, deuterium, and other discoveriesEnrico Fermi and nuclear energyE.O. Lawrence and particle acceleratorsBeyond the nucleusNew branches from the old stumpConclusionsAppendix 1. Stefan's law, Wien's lawAppendix 2. Planck's hunt for the blackbody radiation formulaAppendix 3. Einstein's heuristic argument for postulating the existence of light quantaAppendix 4. Brownian motionAppendix 5. Blackbody energy fluctuations according to EinsteinAppendix 6. Specific heat of solids according to EinsteinAppendix 7. A and B of EinsteinAppendix 8. J.J. Thomson's parabola method for finding e/m of ionsAppendix 9. Bohr's hydrogen atomAppendix 10. Quantum mechanics in a nutshell.

Biophysical Chemistry: Part I: The Conformation of Biological Macromolecules


Charles R. Cantor - 1980
    Three-part series remains the definitive text on the physical properties of biological macromolecules and the physical techniques used to study them.  It is appropriate for a broad spectrum of advanced undergraduate and graduate courses and serves as a comprehensive reference for researchers.Part I deals with the structure of biological macromolecules and the forces that determine structure.Part I: The Conformation of Biological Macromolecules1980, paper, 365 pages, 158 illustrations 0-7167-1188-5 Part II: Techniques for the Study of Biological Structure and Function1980, paper, 365 pages, 158 illustrations 0-7167-1190-7 Part III: The Behavior of Biological Macromolecules1980, paper, 597 pages, 243 illustrations 0-7167-1192-3