Theoretical Concepts in Physics, Second Edition: An Alternative View of Theoretical Reasoning in Physics
Cambridge University Press
Edition: 2, 12/4/2003
EAN 9780521528788, ISBN10: 052152878X
Paperback, 588 pages, 24.7 x 17.4 x 3.4 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
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.
Preface; 1. Introduction; Case Study 1. The Origins of Newton's Law of Gravitation; 2. From Ptolemy to Kepler - the Copernican revolution; 3. Galileo and the nature of the physical sciences; 4. Newton and the law of gravity; Case Study 2. Maxwell's Equations; 5. The origin of Maxwell's equations; 6. How to rewrite the history of electromagnetism; Case Study 3. Mechanics and Dynamics - Linear and Non-linear; 7. Approaches to mechanics and dynamics; 8. Dimensional analysis, chaos and self-organised criticality; Case Study 4. Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics; 9. Basic thermodynamics; 10. Kinetic theory and the origin of statistical mechanics; Case Study 5. The Origins of the Concept of Quanta; 11. Black-body radiation up to 1895; 12. 1895-1900: Planck and the spectrum of black-body radiation; 13. Planck's theory of black-body radiation; 14. Einstein and the quantisation of light; 15. The triumph of the quantum hypothesis; Case Study 6. Special Relativity; 16. Special relativity - a study of invariance; Case Study 7. General Relativity and Cosmology; 17. An introduction to general relativity; 18. The technology of cosmology; 19. Cosmology; 20. Epilogue.
'... gives great insight into the equations of modern physics, and I enjoyed it very much. I would hope that parts could be used to enliven the standard course fodder.' Times Higher Education Supplement