Foundations of Physics
A bridge between semipopular works for the general reader and technical treatises written for specialists, this excellent work discusses the foundational ideas and background of modern physics. It is not a text on theoretical physics, but a discussion of the methods of physic description and construction of theory. As such, it is especially valuable for the physicist with a background in elementary calculus who is interested in the ideas which give meaning to the data and tools of modern physics.
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appear applied assume assumption atom axes axis boundary conditions causality Chapter classical mechanics classical physics coefficients components concept consider constant coordinates corresponding D'Alembert's principle defined definition denote differential equations discussion distribution dynamical eigenfunctions eigenstate eigenvalues electromagnetic electron elements energy ensemble equal equation of motion experiment expression fact field finite fluid force formulation frequency function fundamental given Hamiltonian Hence Hermitean integral kinetic magnetic mass point mathematical matrix matter means measurements method molecules momentum nature observations oscillator particle phase space phenomena physical laws physical theory physicist possible postulate principle probability problem properties quantity quantum mechanics quantum numbers question relation respect result satisfy Schrödinger's Schrödinger's equation simple solution space spin state-functions statistical statistical mechanics substitution suppose symbols tensor theorem theory of relativity thermodynamic tion transformation vanish variables vector velocity wave zero