Theoretical Physics: A Classical ApproachThis introduction to classical theoretical physics emerged from a course for students in the third and fourth semester, which the authors have given several times at the University of Freiburg (Germany). The goal of the course is to give the student a comprehensive and coherent overview of the principal areas of classical theoretical physics. In line with this goal, the content, the terminology, and the mathematical techniques of theoret ical physics are all presented along with applications, to serve as a solid foundation for further courses in the basic areas of experimental and theoretical physics. In conceiving the course, the authors had four interdependent goals in mind: • the presentation of a consistent overview, even at this elementary level • the establishment of a well-balanced interactive relationship between phys ical content and mathematical methods • a demonstration of the important applications of physics, and • an acquisition of the most important mathematical techniques needed to solve specific problems. In relation to the first point, it was necessary to limit the amount of material treated. This introductory course was not intended to preempt a later, primarily On the other hand, we aimed for a certain completeness in theoretical, course. |
Contents
| 2 | |
Lagrangian Methods in Classical Mechanics | 87 |
5 | 112 |
Rigid Bodies 145 | 144 |
Motion in a Noninertial System of Reference | 179 |
Linear Oscillations 189 | 188 |
Classical Statistical Mechanics | 223 |
Applications of Thermodynamics | 292 |
Moving Charges Magnetostatics | 439 |
Time Dependent Electromagnetic Fields 455 | 454 |
Elements of the Electrodynamics of Continuous Media | 483 |
Appendices | 517 |
Stokess Theorem | 547 |
Gausss Theorem | 548 |
Applications of the Integral Theorems | 550 |
Curvilinear Coordinates | 551 |
2 | 309 |
3 | 317 |
Problem | 331 |
The Most Important Linear Partial Differential Equations of Physics | 366 |
Electrostatics | 405 |
Problems | 555 |
References | 557 |
| 561 | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
angle angular momentum approximation axis boundary conditions calculate called center of mass charge chemical potential coefficients components conserved quantity consider constant constraining forces constraints corresponding current density d³r defined depends derived determined differential equation dipole E₁ E₂ electric electrostatic entropy equation of motion equilibrium example external forces flow fluid follows Fourier given gravitational Green's function heat conduction homogeneous I₁ ideal gas independent inertia integral Lagrange's equations Lagrangian linear m₁ magnetic Maxwell equations mechanics microscopic molecules N₁ number of particles orbit oscillations P₁ pendulum phase space physics plane pressure problem r₁ rigid body rotation Sect solution surface T₁ T₂ temperature tensor theorem theory thermodynamic potential trajectory transformation V₁ vanishes vapor variables vector field velocity volume wave equation μο ат др