Wave Physics: Oscillations - Solitons - Chaos

ISBN-13: 9783540879077 / Angielski / Miękka / 2008 / 289 str.

Stephen Nettel

Opis

This is a text for the third semester of undergraduate physics for students in accelerated programs, who typically are preparing for advanced degrees in science or engineering. The third semester is often the only opportunity for physics departments to present to students who are not physics majors a coherent background in the physics of waves, required later for confident handling of applied problems, especially applications based on quantum mechanics. Physics is a coherent subject. It is often found that the going gets easier as one goes deeper, learning the mathematical connections tying together the various phenomena. Even so, the steps that took us from classical wave physics to Heisenberg's "Physical Principles of Quantum Theory" were, as a matter of history, harder to take than later steps dealing with detailed applications. With these considerations in mind, the classical physics of os cillations and waves is developed here at a more advanced mathematical level than is customary in second year courses. This is done to explain the classical phenomena, but also to provide background for the introductory wave mechanics, leading to a logical integration of the latter subject into the presentation. Concurrently, detailed applications of quantum mechanics are beyond the mission of the text. The concluding chapters on nonlinear waves, solitons, and chaos broaden the previously established concepts of wave behavior, while introducing the reader to important topics in current wave physics."

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"The book has qualities that one looks for in an undergraduate text: good organization, lucid text, well-thought-out sample problems, and problems to develop solid understanding of the subject." Applied Mechanics Reviews

"... A stimulating book for the undergraduate who is strong mathematically." Contemporary Physics

Spis treści

Mathematical Foundation for Wave Physics.- Oscillations of Mechanical and Electrical Systems.- Waves on Stretched Strings.- Electromagnetic Waves.- Light - Physical Optics, Refraction.- Wave Mechanics.- Nonlinear Waves on Water - Solitons.- Nonlinear Phenomena - Chaos.

Blurb

This textbook is intended for those second year undergraduates in science and engineering
who will later need an understanding of electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics. The classical physics of oscillations and waves is developed at a more advanced level than has been customary for the second year, providing a basis for the quantum mechanics that follows. In this new edition the Green's function is explained, reinforcing the integration of quantum mechanics with classical physics. The text may also form the basis of an "introduction to theoretical physics" for physics majors. The concluding chapters give special attention to topics in current wave physics: nonlinear waves, solitons, and chaotic behavior.