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Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems
Stephen T. Thornton , and Jerry B. Marion Manufacturer: Brooks Cole ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 0534408966 |
Book Description
This best-selling classical mechanics text, written for the advanced undergraduate one- or two-semester course, provides a complete account of the classical mechanics of particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies. Vector calculus is used extensively to explore topics.The Lagrangian formulation of mechanics is introduced early to show its powerful problem solving ability.. Modern notation and terminology are used throughout in support of the text's objective: to facilitate students' transition to advanced physics and the mathematical formalism needed for the quantum theory of physics. CLASSICAL DYNAMICS OF PARTICLES AND SYSTEMS can easily be used for a one- or two-semester course, depending on the instructor's choice of topics.Customer Reviews:
I doubt students using this text can tackle dynamics.......2007-04-28
worst textbook I ever had.......2007-02-03
This book is a real dissaster!!!.......2007-01-29
Know's its place.......2006-09-02
A shame..........2006-04-29
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Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics
Frederick W. Byron , and Robert W. Fuller Manufacturer: Dover Publications ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 048667164X |
Book Description
Customer Reviews:
Excellent math reference for physicists.......2007-08-06
Great Physical Mathematics.......2007-07-31
astonishing!.......2007-06-08
The real deal........2007-05-16
Dated but a Great Reference.......2007-03-20
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Appearance and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Physics
Peter Kosso Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0195115155 |
Book Description
Appearance and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Physics addresses quantum mechanics and relativity and their philosophical implications, focusing on whether these theories of modern physics can help us know nature as it really is, or only as it appears to us. The author clearly explains the foundational concepts and principles of both quantum mechanics and relativity and then uses them to argue that we can know more than mere appearances, and that we can know to some extent the way things really are. He argues that modern physics gives us reason to believe that we can know some things about the objective, real world, but he also acknowledges that we cannot know everything, which results in a position he calls "realistic realism." This book is not a survey of possible philosophical interpretations of modern physics, nor does it leap from a caricature of the physics to some wildly alarming metaphysics. Instead, it is careful with the physics and true to the evidence in arriving at its own realistic conclusions. It presents the physics without mathematics, and makes extensive use of diagrams and analogies to explain important ideas. Engaging and accessible, Appearance and Reality serves as an ideal introduction for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy and physics, including students in philosophy of physics and philosophy of science courses.Customer Reviews:
Excellent in its intended capacity as introduction..........2000-03-14
Particulaly impressive was the conciseness and clearness of the explanations of both relativity and quantum mechanics, two subjects that I would imagine can be notoriously difficult to deal with when ill explained. Aside from aformentioned technicalities regarding quantum physics, perhaps the author could may have spent more time considering the epistemological issue of the very validity of, in particurlar relativity, the 'foundations of modern physics discussed'. They seemed briefly considered, yet tossed aside it seems due to the author's attitude that the apparent current non-existence of what may eventually supercede the areas of physics in question. So, basically, the book was themed upon evaluating reality using the best tools we have at this moment to evaluate what constitutes it.
None the less, as an indication of the perspective physics can provide as to the very nature of reality and existence, this book can be invaluable.
very good up to page 140 then thumbs down.......1999-07-14
However the author bias becomes very clear as he explains Bell's theorem . The author points out that no local hidden variable theory can explain the results presented by quantum mechanics. He seems to miss the point that quantum mechanics is NONLOCAL with or without hidden variables . He clearly is in the copenhagen camp but stresses that popular publications on the subject are incorrect in concluding that everything is indeterminate, after all, things such as mass,charge etc. are determinate.
The author seems to accept "in stride" the nonlocality in the copenhagen interpetation and then uses nonlocality as the biggest argument against the deBroglie-Bohm pilot wave interpetation stating that it is a "blatant" violation of the special theory of relativity. Apparently the instant collapse of the second wave function when the first is measured in EPR is more realistic in his view. He then corrects himself and states that it is really not a violation of the special theory "empirically".
These kind of inconsistencies and contradictions are rampant after page 140. In the end the best critisism the author could level at the Bohm interpetation is that it is "epistimological anti realism"
In summary his philosophical position of "realistic realism" ends up being that schrodinger's cat maybe both dead and alive but we know that it weighs ten pounds.
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Classical and Quantum Computation (Graduate Studies in Mathematics)
A. Yu. Kitaev , A. H. Shen , and M. N. Vyalyi Manufacturer: Amer Mathematical Society ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0821832298 |
Book Description
This book is an introduction to a new rapidly developing theory of quantum computing. It begins with the basics of classical theory of computation: Turing machines, Boolean circuits, parallel algorithms, probabilistic computation, NP-complete problems, and the idea of complexity of an algorithm. The second part of the book provides an exposition of quantum computation theory. It starts with the introduction of general quantum formalism (pure states, density matrices, and superoperators), universal gate sets and approximation theorems. Then the authors study various quantum computation algorithms: Grover's algorithm, Shor's factoring algorithm, and the Abelian hidden subgroup problem. In concluding sections, several related topics are discussed (parallel quantum computation, a quantum analog of NP-completeness, and quantum error-correcting codes).Rapid development of quantum computing started in 1994 with a stunning suggestion by Peter Shor to use quantum computation for factoring large numbers--an extremely difficult and time-consuming problem when using a conventional computer. Shor's result spawned a burst of activity in designing new algorithms and in attempting to actually build quantum computers. Currently, the progress is much more significant in the former: A sound theoretical basis of quantum computing is under development and many algorithms have been suggested.
In this concise text, the authors provide solid foundations to the theory--in particular, a careful analysis of the quantum circuit model--and cover selected topics in depth. Included are a complete proof of the Solovay-Kitaev theorem with accurate algorithm complexity bounds, approximation of unitary operators by circuits of doubly logarithmic depth. Among other interesting topics are toric codes and their relation to the anyon approach to quantum computing.
Customer Reviews:
A clear, concise exposition.......2007-04-09
Complexity of algorithms........2002-08-31
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Bose-Einstein Condensation (The International Series of Monographs on Physics)
L. Pitaevskii , and S. Stringari Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 0198507194 |
Book Description
The book is an introductory text to the physics of Bose-Einstein condensation. This phenomenon, first predicted by Einstein in 1925, has been realized experimentally in 1995 in a remarkable series of experiments whose importance has been recognized by the award of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics. The condensate is actually a new state of matter, where quantum-mechanical wave functions of atoms behave as coherent matter waves in the same way as coherent light waves in the case of a laser. The authors provide a theoretical presentation of the main concepts underlying the physics of dilute atomic gases in conditions of extremely low temperatures where quantum effects play a crucial role. The main effort is devoted to discussion of the relevant theoretical aspects exhibited by these systems, such as the concept of order parameter, long range order, superfluidity and coherence. The mathematical formalism is presented in a form convenient for practical use. The book develops the theory of Bose gases starting from the pioneering Bogoliubov approach and gives special emphasis to the new physical features exhibited by non-uniform gases which are produced in the recent experiments with magnetic and optical traps. These features include the determination of the equilibrium profiles, the collective oscillations, the mechanism of the expansion of the gas after releasing the trap, the interference patterns obtained by overlapping two condensates, the rotational properties revealing the effects of superfluidity (quantized vortices, behaviour of the moment of inertia), the Josephson-like phenomena associated with the coherence of the phase, the beyond mean field phenomena exhibited by quantum gases in conditions of reduced dimensionality (1D and 2D) etc. The book also discusses the analogies and differences with the physics of "classical" superfluids like liquid helium and introduces some of the major features of trapped Fermi gases at low temperature, pointing out the consequences of superfluidity.Customer Reviews:
Concise slick book. Good but not great. .......2005-03-07
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The Story of Spin
Sin-itiro Tomonaga Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0226807940 |
Book Description
Customer Reviews:
From the clouds to the ground.......2007-03-08
A Wonderful Overview.......2006-04-26
a truly beautiful mind :).......2005-12-31
Nice.......2003-03-04
Spin: a beautiful history of Quantum Mechanics.......2002-04-29
It is interesting to contrast Tomanaga's style with the other 2 physicists who shared the Nobel prize in electrodynamics with him. From the folksy iconoclasm of Richard Feynman to the brutal formalistic abstraction of Julian Schwinger (who broke the back of Physical Review with his third paper on electrodynamics which is one of the most equation heavy paper ever written). Then there is Tomonaga, who epitomises simplicity and clarity, with a clear-eyed reverence for the rich history of physics. He is above all, a sympathetic teacher - he tells you when something is difficult - for instance, explaining how Dirac stumbled on second quantisation "Why must you quantize it once more as the name second quantization suggests? We mortals stand bewildered here. Howerver, there is no use being bewildered, so let us try to discover why we feel bewildered." It's no wonder that Freeman Dyson said that it was only with the framework of Tomonaga, could he weave Feynman and Schwinger together into a comprehensible whole.
However, this book is not just a text-book on spin, in its pages, there is a superb history of quantum mechanics. Tomonaga gives a blow-by-blow account of the development of quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and nuclear physics, as it relates to spin. Through the recreation of the arguments and counter-arguments of the old masters of quantum mechanics, he has brought to life these characters that so dominated physics in the golden era of the 20's and 30's.
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Maxwell's Demon 2: Entropy, Classical and Quantum Information, Computing (Maxwell's Demon)
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0750307595 |
Book Description
Over 130 years ago, James Clerk Maxwell introduced his hypothetical "demon" as a challenge to the scope of the second law of thermodynamics. Fascination with the demon persisted throughout the development of statistical and quantum physics, information theory, and computer science, and links have been established between Maxwell's demon and each of these disciplines. The demon's seductive quality makes it appealing to physical scientists, engineers, computer scientists, biologists, psychologists, and historians and philosophers of science. Since the publication of Maxwell's Demon: Entropy, Information, Computing in 1990, Maxwell's demon has been the subject of renewed and increased interest by numerous researchers in the fields mentioned above. Updated and expanded, Maxwell's Demon 2: Entropy, Classical and Quantum Information, Computing retains many of the seminal papers that appeared in the first edition, including the original thoughts of James Clerk Maxwell and William Thomson; a historical review by Martin Klein; and key articles by Leo Szilard, Leon Brillouin, Rolf Landauer, and Charles Bennett that led to new branches of research on the demon. This second edition contains newer articles by Landauer, Bennett, and others, related to Landauer's principle; connections with quantum mechanics; algorithmic information; and the thermodynamics and limits of computation. The book also includes two separate bibliographies: an alphabetical listing by author and a chronological bibliography that is annotated by the editors and contains selected quotes from the books and articles listed. The bibliography has more than doubled in size since publication of the first edition and now contains over 570 entries.
Customer Reviews:
The Second Law.......2007-01-16
Clear, complete, and well-organized.......2003-02-20
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Membranes and Other Extendons: (P-Branes) (World Scientific Lecture Notes in Physics)
Yuval Neeman , Elena Elzenberg , Yuval Ne'Eman , and Elena Eizenberg Manufacturer: World Scientific Pub Co Inc ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 9810206305 |
Book Description
The interest in membranes and higher dimensional extended geometrical objects was inspired by the great successes of the string and superstring, first in 1968-73 as a theory of hadrons and then since 1984 as a "theory of everything" - a unified theory of all interactions, including quantum gravity. In particular, membranes, "supermembranes" and "spinning membranes" have been studied since 1985; an unexpected connection with supergravity opened in 1988 some new prospects for a quantized theory. General theorems about higher dimensional "p-branes" or "extendons" were also derived. The subject is very promising, whether as a more comprehensive fundamental unification or as a description of composite hadrons.Where there are now probably some fifty texts of all kinds dealing with strings, this is the first treatise on membranes and higher dimensional extendons.
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Quantum Mechanics: Classical Results, Modern Systems, and Visualized Examples
Richard Robinett Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 0198530978 |
Book Description
Quantum Mechanics: Classical Results, Modern Systems, and Visualized Examples is a comprehensive introduction to non-relativistic quantum mechanics for advanced undergraduate students in physics and related fields. It provides students with a strong conceptual background in the most important theoretical aspects of quantum mechanics, extensive experience with the mathematical tools required to solve problems, the opportunity to use quantum ideas to confront modern experimental realizations of quantum systems, and numerous visualizations of quantum concepts and phenomena. Changes from the First Edition include many new discussions of modern quantum systems (such as Bose-Einstein condensates, the quantum Hall effect, and wave packet revivals) all in the context of familiar textbook level examples. The book continues to emphasize the many connections to classical mechanics and wave physics to help students use their existing intuition to better learn new quantum concepts.Customer Reviews:
A serious attempt at teaching quantum mechanics.......2007-03-20
Not for the Undergrad!.......2004-10-17
An interesting presentation of the subject.......2003-07-11
Among the things most pleasing about the book are:
1. A constant connection with classical physics principles;
2. An early introduction to and development of the wave packet and operators and a physical interpretation of Schrodinger's equation;
3. A comprehensive discussion of various QM models in both their mathematical and physical aspects: the infinite well and other 1-D potentials, SHO, scattering;
4. Two-D and Three-D QM and the development of the Hydrogen atom;
5. Development of Gravity and QM;
6. An abundance of examples, many based on experimental results for the student to try out.
The mathematics is clear, and unlike many other books, the author takes the trouble to present many of the intermediate steps. I should say, however, that there are quite a few TYPOS sprinkled throughout the text. They are only a minor distraction and if anything, finding and fixing them can be a useful learning experience! My criticsm would be that the sections on the physical and mathematical development of Spin is too short. Indeed, the Stern-Gerlach and associated gedanken experiments which are so fundamental to an understanding of the postulates of QM do not get much of a mention.
Having said this, the book is certainly a good introduction to the subject. It complements other traditional texts like French and Taylor quite well.
This Book Should Not Exist.......2002-04-03
Very interesting but a bit on the esoteric side.......2000-04-25
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Quantum-Classical Correspondence: Dynamical Quantization and the Classical Limit (The Frontiers Collection)
A.O. Bolivar Manufacturer: Springer ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 3540201467 |
Book Description
At what level of physical existence does "quantum behavior" begin? How does it develop from classical mechanics? This book addresses these questions and thereby sheds light on fundamental conceptual problems of quantum mechanics. Quantum-Classical Correspondence elucidates the problem by developing a procedure for quantizing stochastic systems (e.g. Brownian systems) described by Fokker-Planck equations. The logical consistency of the scheme is then verified by taking the classical limit of the equations of motion and corresponding physical quantities. Perhaps equally important, conceptual problems concerning the relationship between classical and quantum physics are identified and discussed. Physical scientists will find this an accessible entrée to an intriguing and thorny issue at the core of modern physics.
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