Baltimore Lectures on Molecular Dynamics and the Wave Theory of Light

by Thomson, William; Kelvin, Baron

• ISBN13: 9781108007672
• ISBN10: 1108007678
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-05-20
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

The mathematical physicist and engineer William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin (1824-1904) is best known for devising the Kelvin scale of absolute temperature and for his work on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The lectures in this collection demonstrate an attempt by Baron Kelvin to formulate a physical model for the existence of ether. This concept of a medium for light propagation became prominent in the late nineteenth century, arising from the combination of Maxwell's equations stating that light is an electromagnetic wave with the demands of Newtonian physics that light must move in a unique reference frame. First published in 1904, Kelvin's lectures describe the difficulties inherent in this model. These problems with the concept of ether are credited for inspiring Einstein to devise the theory of special relativity and the photoelectric effect, both of which are central to modern physics.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introductory

Dynamics of elastic solid

Dynamics of elastc solid

Equations of motion of elastic solid

Vibrations of air around a tuning fork

Ratio of rigidity to compressibility

Vibrations of serial molecule

Solutions for distortional waves

Contrary vibrators in one line

Energy of waves

'Anisotropy' rejected

Three sets of plane waves with fronts parallel to one plane

Prof. Morley's numercial solution for vibrator of seven periods

Rowland's model vibrator

Model vibrator

Mechanical value of sunlight and possible density of ether

Molecular dimensions

Reflections of light

Reconciliation between Fresnel and Green

Chiral rotation of the plane of polarization

Appendixes A-L

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