Theoretical Concepts in Physics
Theoretical Concepts in Physics
NZD$144.95
inc GSTA 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.
- Completely revised edition, complete with new chapters and expanded topics
- Written in a lively and accessible manner to reinforce the understanding of basic physics
- Case studies provide a unique approach to theoretical reasoning in physics
Reviews & endorsements
'… 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.' The Times Higher Education Supplement
'Longair's book is, as he says, for 'students who love physics and theoretical physics', not for amateurs. However, it 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 folder.' The Times Higher Education Supplement
Product details
January 2004Paperback
9780521528788
588 pages
247 × 176 × 33 mm
1.328kg
167 b/w illus. 15 tables
Temporarily unavailable - available from TBC
Table of Contents
- 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.
