Computational PhysicsConveying the excitement and allure of physics, this progressive text uses a computational approach to introduce students to the basic numerical techniques used in dealing with topics and problems of prime interest to today's physicists. *Contains a wealth of topics to allow instructors flexibility in the choice of topics and depth of coverage: *Examines projective motion with and without realistic air resistance. * Discusses planetary motion and the three-body problem. * Explores chaotic motion of the pendulum and waves on a string. * Considers topics relating to fractal growth and stochastic systems. * Offers examples on statistical physics and quantum mechanics. *Contains ample explanations of the necessary algorithms students need to help them write original programs, and provides many example programs and calculations for reference. * Students and instructors may access sample programs through the authors web site: http: //www.physics.purdue.edu/ ng/comp_phys.html *Includes a significant amount of additional material and problems to give students and instructors flexibility in the choice of topics and depth of coverage |
Contents
REALISTIC PROJECTILE MOTION | 16 |
OSCILLATORY MOTION AND CHAOS | 42 |
THE SOLAR SYSTEM | 81 |
Copyright | |
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algorithm amino acids amplitude approach approximately array assume asteroids atoms average axis ball behavior boundary conditions calculate chaotic Chapter cluster compute consider corresponding curve described differential equations dimensionality discussion displacement distribution end sub energy Euler method Euler-Cromer method example exercises force Fourier components fractal frequency friction grid Gutenberg-Richter law harmonic initial conditions input prompt interaction inverse-square law Ising model Jupiter large number lattice length Lennard-Jones potential loop Lorenz model magnetic mat redim molecular dynamics molecules Monte Carlo Monte Carlo method motion n_points neuron nmax obtained orbit oscillator parameters particles pendulum physics planet plot potential problem protein random numbers random walk Schrödinger equation shown in Figure signal simulation sine solution spatial spin square step stored patterns string structure subroutine temperature theta trajectory transition True Basic variables velocity Verlet method versus wave function wave packet zero