A Course in Mathematical Physics: Volume 2: Classical Field Theory - Hardcover

Thirring, Walter E

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387962662 ISBN 13: 9780387962665

Publisher: Springer, 1998

Synopsis

1 Introduction.- 1.1 Physical Aspects of Field Dynamics.- 1.2 The Mathematical Formalism.- 1.3 Maxwell's and Einstein's Equations.- 2 The Electromagnetic Field of a Known Charge Distribution.- 2.1 The Stationary-Action Principle and Conservation Theorems.- 2.2 The General Solution.- 2.3 The Field of a Point Charge.- 2.4 Radiative Reaction.- 3 The Field in the Presence of Conductors.- 3.1 The Superconductor.- 3.2 The Half-Space, the Wave-Guide, and the Resonant Cavity.- 3.3 Diffraction at a Wedge.- 3.4 Diffraction at a Cylinder.- 4 Gravitation.- 4.1 Covariant Differentiation and the Curvature of Space.- 4.2 Gauge Theories and Gravitation.- 4.3 Maximally Symmetric Spaces.- 4.4 Spaces with Maximally Symmetric Submanifolds.- 4.5 The Life and Death of Stars.- 4.6 The Existence of Singularities.

About this title

Product Description

This book combines the enlarged and corrected editions of both volumes on classical physics of Thirring's famous course in mathematical physics. With numerous examples and remarks complementing the text, it is suitable as a textbook for students of physics, mathematics, and applied mathematics. The treatment of classical dynamical systems employs analysis on manifolds to provide the mathematical setting for discussions of Hamiltonian systems; problems discussed in detail include nonrelativistic motion of particles and systems, relativis- tic motion in electromagnetic and gravitational fields, and the structure of black holes. The treatment of classical fields used differential geometry to examine both Maxwell's and Einstein's equations with new material added on gauge theories.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387962662
• ISBN 13: 9780387962665
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 276