The Principle of Least Action: History And Physics

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Synopsis
The principle of least action originates in the idea that, if nature has a purpose, it should follow a minimum or critical path. This simple principle, and its variants and generalizations, applies to optics, mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics, and provides an essential guide to understanding the beauty of physics.

This unique text provides an accessible introduction to the action principle across these various fields of physics, and examines its history and fundamental role in science. It includes - with varying levels of mathematical sophistication - explanations from historical sources, discussion of classic papers, and original worked examples. The result is a story that is understandable to those with a modest mathematical background, as well as to researchers and students in physics and the history of physics.

Drawing from the original sources, this book discusses many of the key ideas in this area from both the scientific and historical perspectives to paint a broad picture of this unifying principle.

Discusses classic papers in a way that is accessible to the modern reader and will appeal to those who are interested in how physical concepts are generated.

Includes worked examples to show how the principle works in practice.

Copyright:
2018

Book Details

Book Quality:
Publisher Quality
ISBN-13:
9781108297943
Related ISBNs:
9780521869027, 9780521869027
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
Alberto Rojo and Anthony Bloch
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
Nonfiction, Science, Philosophy
Submitted By:
Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.

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