variational Principles in Physics

Zusatztext

Variational principles have proven to be surprisingly fertile. For example, Fermat used variational methods to demonstrate that light follows the fastest route from one point to another, an idea which came to be known as Fermats principle, a cornerstone of geometrical optics. This book explains variational principles and charts their use throughout modern physics. The heart of the book is devoted to the analytical mechanics of Lagrange and Hamilton, the basic tools of any physicist. The book also offers simple but rich first impressions of Einsteins General Relativity, Feynmans Quantum Mechanics, and more that reveal amazing interconnections between various fields of physics.

Weitere Details