Classical Mechanics

by Finn, J. Michael, Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9781934015322
• ISBN10: 1934015326
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-07-21
• Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning

Summary

This book presents an updated treatment of the dynamics of particles and particle systems suitable for students prepar ing for advanced study of physics and closely related fields, such as astronomy and the applied engineering sciences. Compared to older books on this subject, the mathematical treatment has been updated for the study of more advanced topics in quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and nonlinear and orbital mechanics. The text begins with a review of the principles of classical Newtonian dynamics of particles and particle systems and proceeds to show how these principles are modified and extended by developments in the field. The text ends with the unification of space and time given by the Special Theory of Relativity. In addition, Hamiltonian dynamics and the concept of phase space are introduced early on. This allows integration of the concepts of chaos and other nonlinear effects into the main flow of the text. The role of symmetries and the underlying geometric structure of space-time is a key theme. In the latter chapters, the connection between classical and quantum mechanics is examined in some detail.

Table of Contents

Review of Newtonian Particle Mechanics	p. 1
Vector Spaces and Coordinate Systems	p. 57
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics	p. 105
Hamilton's Principle	p. 147
Central Force Motion	p. 183
Small Oscillations	p. 231
Rotational Geometry and Kinematics	p. 273
Rigid Body Motion	p. 323
Canonical Transformation Theory	p. 367
Hamilton-Jacobi Theory	p. 415
Special Relativity	p. 451
Waves, Particles, and Fields	p. 509
International System of Units and Conversion Factors	p. 545
Physical Constants and Solar System Data	p. 553
Geometric Algebras in N Dimensions	p. 557
References	p. 561
Index	p. 567
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