Best of
Physics

1994

Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos: With Applications to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering


Steven H. Strogatz - 1994
    The presentation stresses analytical methods, concrete examples, and geometric intuition. A unique feature of the book is its emphasis on applications. These include mechanical vibrations, lasers, biological rhythms, superconducting circuits, insect outbreaks, chemical oscillators, genetic control systems, chaotic waterwheels, and even a technique for using chaos to send secret messages. In each case, the scientific background is explained at an elementary level and closely integrated with mathematical theory.About the Author:Steven Strogatz is in the Center for Applied Mathematics and the Department of Theoretical and Applied Mathematics at Cornell University. Since receiving his Ph.D. from Harvard university in 1986, Professor Strogatz has been honored with several awards, including the E.M. Baker Award for Excellence, the highest teaching award given by MIT.

Black Holes & Time Warps: Einstein's Outrageous Legacy


Kip S. Thorne - 1994
    In this masterfully written and brilliantly informed work of scientific history and explanation, Dr. Thorne, the Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech, leads his readers through an elegant, always human, tapestry of interlocking themes, coming finally to a uniquely informed answer to the great question: what principles control our universe and why do physicists think they know the things they think they know? Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time has been one of the greatest best-sellers in publishing history. Anyone who struggled with that book will find here a more slowly paced but equally mind-stretching experience, with the added fascination of a rich historical and human component.

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics


David J. Griffiths - 1994
    The book s two-part coverage organizes topics under basic theory, and assembles an arsenal of approximation schemes with illustrative applications. For physicists and engineers. "

Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the Tenth Dimension


Michio Kaku - 1994
    Indeed, many physicists today believe that there are other dimensions beyond the four of our space-time, and that a unified vision of the various forces of nature can be achieved, if we consider that everything we see around us, from the trees to the stars are nothing but vibrations in hyperspace. Hyperspace theory - and its more recent derivation, superstring theory - is the eye of this revolution. In this book, Michio Kaku shows us a fascinating panorama, which completely changes our view of the cosmos, and takes us on a dazzling journey through new dimensions: wormholes connecting parallel universes, time machines, "baby universes" and more. Similar wonders are emerging in some pages in which everything is explained with elegant simplicity and where the mathematical formulation is replaced by imaginative illustrations that allow the problems to be visualized. The result is a very entertaining and surprising book, which even leaves behind the greatest fantasies of the old science fiction authors.

An Introduction To Quantum Field Theory


Michael E. Peskin - 1994
    The authors make these subjects accessible through carefully worked examples illustrating the technical aspects of the subject, and intuitive explanations of what is going on behind the mathematics. After presenting the basics of quantum electrodynamics, the authors discuss the theory of renormalization and its relation to statistical mechanics, and introduce the renormalization group. This discussion sets the stage for a discussion of the physical principles that underlie the fundamental interactions of elementary particle physics and their description by gauge field theories.

Stephen Hawking's Life Works: The Cambridge Lectures


Stephen Hawking - 1994
    This series of lectures, given at Cambridge University, introduces listeners to the history of ideas about the Universe as well as today's most important scientific theories about time, space, and the cosmos.

Gauge Fields, Knots and Gravity


John C. Baez - 1994
    The book begins with a rapid course on manifolds and differential forms, emphasizing how these provide a proper language for formulating Maxwell's equations on arbitrary spacetimes. The authors then introduce vector bundles, connections and curvature in order to generalize Maxwell theory to the Yang-Mills equations. The relation of gauge theory to the newly discovered knot invariants such as the Jones polynomial is sketched. Riemannian geometry is then introduced in order to describe Einstein's equations of general relativity and show how an attempt to quantize gravity leads to interesting applications of knot theory.

Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity: Metaphysical Intimations of Modern Physics


Tim Maudlin - 1994
    Relativity imposed a locality constraint on physical theories: since nothing can go faster than light, very distant events cannot influence one another. Only in the last few decades has it become clear that quantum theory violates this constraint. The work of J. S. Bell has demonstrated that no local theory can return the predictions of quantum theory. Thus it would seem that the central pillars of modern physics are contradictory. Quantum Non-Locality and Relativity examines the nature and possible resolution of this conflict. Beginning with accurate but non-technical presentations of Bell's work and of Special Relativity, there follows a close examination of different interpretations of relativity and of the sort of locality each demands. The story continues with a brief discussion of the General Theory of Relativity. This second edition also includes a new author's preface and an additional appendix. The book introduces philosophers to the relevant physics and demonstrates how philosophical analysis can help to resolve some of the problems. All of the physics is presented from first principles, and as much as possible is presented pictorially.

Bridging Science and Spirit: Common Elements in David Bohm's Physics, the Perennial Philosophy and Seth


Norman Friedman - 1994
    In the resultant confusion scientists, philosophers and theologians have pondered and argued; yet the separation remains. Norman Friedman correlates the quantum physics of David Bohm with the Perennial Philosophy described by Aldous Huxley and the spiritual insights of the channeled entity known as Seth to show how a single reality emerges from seemingly contradictory perspectives; a brilliant synthesis. BOOK REVIEWS I think Bridging Science and Spirit is one of the most insightful, comprehensive, and brilliant expressions of knowledge. I shall certainly use it as a reference guide. Many abstract ideas that I was not comfortable with are now more meaningful. Deepak Chopra, M.D., author of Ageless Body, Timeless Mind; The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success; The Way of the Wizard Bridging Science and Spirit accomplishes a formidable task. This book will be a valuable research document for many years to come for those concerned with a perspective that honors both science and spirituality. Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D.; author of Taking the Quantum Leap; Parallel Universes; The Physics of the Soul Bridging Science and Spirit correctly asks, 'How does matter originate from consciousness?' This is the fundamental question of a growing body of literature regarding the new paradigm of an idealist, consciousness-based science. Norman Friedman has made an important and thoughtful contribution to this new science. Amit Goswami, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, University of Oregon; author of The Self-Aware Universe An insightful synthesis of the outer frontiers of theoretical physics with the deep revelations of mystical insight, throwing important light on the reality we live in. Peter Russell, author of The Global Brain; The White Hole in Time; The Global Brain Awakens A masterful job of bringing innate psychic understanding and scientific knowledge together, brilliantly showing us how all is one and one is all. Robert F. Butts - Husband of Jane Roberts, Channel for Seth Few have understood both science and metaphysics well enough to remove our blinders to their underlying similarities and universal truths. Kudos to Norman Friedman for proving to be a master bridge builder. Lynda Madden Dahl, Co-founder, Seth Network International; author of eight Seth-based books, including the Living a Safe Universe Series Some future historian will, I feel confident, identify the 'Great Debate' of the twentieth century around the question: 'What is science going to do about consciousness?' I would surmise that Norman Friedman's book Bridging Science and Spirit will turn out to be a benchmark in that inquiry. No one can read it without gaining some clarity on their own nature. Willis Harman, Ph.D., President, Institute of Noetic Sciences; author of Global Mind Change A brilliant synthesis of ageless wisdom and modern science. Friedman's writing provides pictures for our minds so we can 'see' reality Jacquelyn Small, MSSW, President, Eupsychia, Inc.; author of Awakening in Time; Transformers, the Artists of Self-Creation I responded to this book with both admiration and appreciation for the task Norman Friedman set out to do and accomplished so successfully. He has paved the way toward a deeper understanding of the role of consciousness in the creation and structure of matter. Montague Ullman, Ph.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Emeritus, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, N.Y."

Engineering Mechanics, SI Edition: Dynamics


Andrew Pytel - 1994
    They have refined their solid coverage of the material without overloading it with extraneous detail and have revised the now 2-color text to be even more concise and appropriate to today's engineering student. The text discusses the application of the fundamentals of Newtonian dynamics and applies them to real-world engineering problems. An accompanying Study Guide is also available for this text.

Qed and the Men Who Made It: Dyson, Feynman, Schwinger, and Tomonaga


Silvan S. Schweber - 1994
    There appeared to be no way to reconcile the new theory of quantum mechanics with Einstein's theory of relativity. Several approaches had been tried and had failed. In the post-World War II period, four eminent physicists rose to the challenge and developed a calculable version of quantum electrodynamics (QED), probably the most successful theory in physics. This formulation of QED was pioneered by Freeman Dyson, Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger, and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, three of whom won the Nobel Prize for their work. In this book, physicist and historian Silvan Schweber tells the story of these four physicists, blending discussions of their scientific work with fascinating biographical sketches.Setting the achievements of these four men in context, Schweber begins with an account of the early work done by physicists such as Dirac and Jordan, and describes the gathering of eminent theorists at Shelter Island in 1947, the meeting that heralded the new era of QED. The rest of his narrative comprises individual biographies of the four physicists, discussions of their major contributions, and the story of the scientific community in which they worked. Throughout, Schweber draws on his technical expertise to offer a lively and lucid explanation of how this theory was finally established as the appropriate way to describe the atomic and subatomic realms.

The Beat of a Different Drum: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman


Jagdish Mehra - 1994
    He was a great teacher, a born showman, bongo drummer, buffoon & iconoclast; a scientific magician capable of transcendental leaps of the imagination. During his career he was drawn into research on the atomic bomb before working out his path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics & quantum electro-dynamics. Subsequently he developed the diagrammatic technique, as a result of which Feynman diagrams became ubiquitous in quantum field theory, elementary particle physics & statistical mechanics. From 1950 he was based at the California Institute of Technology, where he worked on the superfluidity of liquid helium, the theory of polarons, the theory of weak interactions, the quantum theory of gravitation, partons, quark jets & the limits of computation. He'd a unified view of physics & nature. He took the whole of nature as the arena of his science & imagination. Jagdish Mehra personally knew Feynman for 30 years. In 1980 Feynman suggested he might do what he had already done for Heisenberg, Pauli & Dirac, that is write a definitive account of his life, science & personality. Mehra instantly agreed & subsequently spent several weeks talking to him. After Feynman's death Mehra interviewed almost 80 people who'd known him & aspects of his work. This book draws on this unique material & on Feynman's remarkable writings. It covers his childhood, his three marriages, his extraordinary range of interests. But most important, it deals with his scientific work in far greater detail than in any other biographical work. What has emerged is an authoritative account of Feynman's life & achievements.

Problems and Solutions on Mechanics


Lim Yung-Kuo - 1994
    The material for these volumes has been selected from the past twenty years' examination questions for graduate students at the University of California (Berkeley), Columbia University, the University of Chicago, MIT, State University of New York at Buffalo, Princeton University and the University of Wisconsin.

A Life of Erwin Schrödinger


Walter J. Moore - 1994
    This abridgement of Walter Moore's magisterial Schr�dinger: Life and Thought offers a highly readable account, interweaving Schr�dinger's scientific work with his intense personal friendships, his interest in mysticism, and the turbulent background of political events in Europe. Hailed as a breathtaking accomplishment, Walter Moore's colorful account is destined to become a classic of scientific biography.

Introduction to Mechanics and Symmetry: A Basic Exposition of Classical Mechanical Systems


Jerrold E. Marsden - 1994
    The book includes numerous specific applications, making it beneficial to physicists and engineers. Specific examples and applications show how the theory works, backed by up-to-date techniques, all of which make the text accessible to a wide variety of readers, especially senior undergraduates and graduates in mathematics, physics and engineering. This second edition has been rewritten and updated for clarity throughout, with a major revamping and expansion of the exercises. Internet supplements containing additional material are also available.

The Force of Symmetry


Vincent Icke - 1994
    In clear, nontechnical language, it explores many fascinating aspects of modern physics, discussing the nature and interaction of force and matter. All these themes are drawn together toward the end of the book to describe the most successful physics theory in history, the standard model of subatomic particles. The book is suitable for undergraduate students in physics and mathematics.

Quantum Mechanic for Engineering: Materials Science and Applied Physics


Herbert Kroemer - 1994
     This book uses new and less abstract ways to present formal concepts. For electrical engineers in the semiconductor areas.

Understanding Ultrasound Physics: Fundamentals and Exam Review


Sidney K. Edelman - 1994
    Very clean cover, pages with underlines and markings

Stellar Structure and Evolution


Rudolf Kippenhahn - 1994
    The models developed to explain the stability, dynamics and evolution of the stars are presented, and great care is taken to detail the various stages in a star's life. The authors have written a unique text based on their own pioneering work in stellar modeling. Since its publication, this textbook has come to be considered a classic by readers and teachers in astrophysics. This study edition is meant for graduate students in astronomy and physics alike.

Advanced Physics


Tom Duncan - 1994
    The fourth edition of this A Level physics course.

Modern Physics from Alpha to Z0


James William Rohlf - 1994
    The primary goal is to expose basic properties of the atom, focusing on the description of experiments and data, both historical and current, used to establish physics principles. Contains 250 carefully worked single concept problems which demonstrate the thinking behind the answer and yield numerically significant results. Prerequisites include some exposure to classical mechanics and electromagnetism.

Stellar Interiors: Physical Principles, Structure, and Evolution


Carl J. Hansen - 1994
    Preliminaries; 2. An Overview of Stellar Evolution; 3. Equations of State; 4. Radiative and Conductive Heat Transfer, 5. heat Transfer by Convection; 6. Stellar Energy Sources; 7. Stellar Modeling; 8. Structure and Evolution of the Sun; 9. Structure and Evolution of White Dwarfs, Asteroseismology, Glossary, Physical and Astronomical Constants, Sample Computer Code.

Basic Thermodynamics


Gerald Carrington - 1994
    They find the concepts evasive and the methods obscure. These problems arise because it is traditional to emphasize at the outset how general thermodynamics is. Unfortunately, when ideas are introduced in an unspecific context they fail to make contact with the student's experience - such ideas do not become part of the physical intuition of the student.In this introductory text the subject is developed in stages beginning with the basic notions, which are illustrated using an ideal gas as a model system. The generalization of these concepts is achieved first using the classical laws of thermodynamics and second using the formalism of Gibbs to provide a systematic introduction to the thermodynamic potentials. Work processes on polarizable media subject to electric and magnetic fields are discussed and transformations of matter, including phase change processes and chemical reactions, are treated in detail. The book contains many worked examples, and approximately 250 questions, which are keyed to the text. The questions include traditional and applied topics, and longer questions have been programmed to guide the student.

Physics by Example: 200 Problems and Solutions


W.G. Rees - 1994
    By guiding the reader through carefully chosen examples and providing worked out solutions, this book will help the student to develop skill in manipulating physical concepts. Topics dealt with include: statistical analysis, classical mechanics, gravitation and orbits, special relativity, basic quantum physics, oscillations and waves, optics, electromagnetism, electric circuits, and thermodynamics. There is also a section listing physical constants and other useful data, including a summary of some important mathematical results. In discussing the relevant factors and most suitable methods of approach for given problems, this book imparts many useful insights, and will be invaluable to anyone taking first or second year undergraduate courses in physics.

X-Ray Diffraction: In Crystals, Imperfect Crystals, and Amorphous Bodies


A. Guinier - 1994
    Elementary laws of x-ray diffraction on crystals follow as special case. Highly useful for solid-state physicists, metallographers, chemists, and biologists. 154 illustrations. 1963 edition.

What Is Reality?


G. Venkataraman - 1994
    

Physics


Paul E. Tippens - 1994
    Content is built through extensive use of examples with detailed solutions designed to develop students' problem-solving skills.

Knots and Quantum Gravity


John C. Baez - 1994
    This book, the proceedings of a workshop held to bring together researchers in knot theory and quantum gravity, features a number of expository and research papers that will aid significantly in closing the gap between the two disciplines. It will serve as a guide for mathematicians and physicists seeking to understand this rapidly developing area of research. The book represents a state-of-the-art study of current research and progress. The editor is the author of Gauge Fields, Knots, and Gravity (World Scientific), a graduate level text on the topic.

Under The Spell Of The Gauge Principle (Advanced Series In Mathematical Physics, Vol 19)


Gerard 't Hooft - 1994
    This volume contains a selection of articles and review topics covering his well-known studies on the renormalization of non-Abelian gauge theorems, topological phenomena in gauge field theory and thoughts on the role of black holes in quantum gravity.The chapters are tied together by thoughtful commentaries which provide a background and the illumination of hindsight -- together they form a clear and coherent picture of the physical and theoretical importance of gauge theories and the gauge principle. This book is ideal for students and researchers.Gerard 't Hooft is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands. He has taught at Harvard, SLAC and Caltech prior to his present position. Other distinguished honors include being awarded the Dannie Heineman Prize, the Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Chicago, Wolf Prize of the State of Israel, Pius XI Medal (Vatican), and the Lorentz Medal (KNAW, Amsterdam).

Veiled Reality: An Analysis Of Present- Day Quantum Mechanical Concepts


Bernard d'Espagnat - 1994
    Beginning with a chapter that could be described as “philosophy for physicists,” it presents an in-depth analysis of present-day quantum mechanical concepts, an analysis of physicists and philosophers alike. Specifically, it first offers an extensive critical analysis of such topics as the Einstein, Podolsky, Rosen reality criterion, nonseparatability, the quantum measurement riddle, decoherence theory, consistent histories approaches and ontologically interpretable theories. All this then naturally leads to philosophical questions concerning, in particular, intersubjective agreement and the limit of realism. And a thorough examination of this whole material finally leads to the view that distinguishing between empirical reality and a veiled man-independent reality yields an acceptable answer to the perplexing question of how to interpret quantum physics. Veiled Reality offers nonspecialists, including students in physics, philosophy and the history of science, an accessible perspective on basic problems in the foundations of physics.