Group Theory in Physics: An Introduction (Volume 1) (Techniques of Physics, Volume 1)

No longer do physicists regard group theory merely as providing a valuable tool for the elucidation of the symmetry aspects of physical problems. Recent developments, particularly in high-energy physics, have transformed its role so that it now occupies a crucial and central position.Group Theory in Physics - An Introduction is an abridgement and revision of Volumes I and II of the author's previous three volume work Group Theory in Physics. It has been designed to provide a succinct introduction to the subject for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, and for others approaching the subject for the first time. It aims to present all the relevant important mathematical developments in a form that is easy for physicists to understand and appreciate.The treatment starts with the basic concepts and is carried through to some of the most sifnificant developments in atomic physics, electronic energy bands in solids and the theory of elementary particles. No prior knowledge of group theory is assumed, and for convenience, various relevant algebraic concepts are summarized in appendices. The intention has been to concentrate on introducing and describing in detail the most important basic ideas and the role that they play in physical problems. Nevertheless, the mathematical coverage goes outside the strict confines of group theory itself, and includes a study of Lie algebras, which, though related to Lie groups, are often developed by mathematicians as a separate subject. This book, an abridgment of Volumes I and II of the highly respected Group Theory in Physics, presents a carefully constructed introduction to group theory and its applications in physics. The book provides anintroduction to and description of the most important basic ideas and the role that they play in physical problems. The clearly written text contains many pertinent examples that illustrate the topics, even for those with no background in group theory.
This work presents important mathematical developments to theoretical physicists in a form that is easy to comprehend and appreciate. Finite groups, Lie groups, Lie algebras, semi-simple Lie algebras, crystallographic point groups and crystallographic space groups, electronic energy bands in solids, atomic physics, symmetry schemes for fundamental particles, and quantum mechanics are all covered in this compact new edition.

Key Features
* Covers both group theory and the theory of Lie algebras
* Includes studies of solid state physics, atomic physics, and fundamental particle physics
* Contains a comprehensive index
* Provides extensive examples This book, an abridgment of Volumes I and II of the highly respected Group Theory in Physics, presents a carefully constructed introduction to group theory and its applications in physics. The book provides anintroduction to and description of the most important basic ideas and the role that they play in physical problems. The clearly written text contains many pertinent examples that illustrate the topics, even for those with no background in group theory. This work presents important mathematical developments to theoretical physicists in a form that is easy to comprehend and appreciate. Finite groups, Lie groups, Lie algebras, semi-simple Lie algebras, crystallographic point groups and crystallographic space groups, electronic energy bands in solids, atomic physics, symmetry schemes for fundamental particles, and quantum mechanics are all covered in this compact new edition. Key Features * Covers both group theory and the theory of Lie algebras * Includes studies of solid state physics, atomic physics, and fundamental particle physics * Contains a comprehensive index * Provides extensive examples "Group Theory in Physics - An Introduction is an abridgement and revision of Volumes I and II of the author's previous three volume work Group Theory in Physics. It has been designed to provide a succinct introduction to the subject for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, and for others approaching the subject for the first time. It aims to present all the relevant important mathematical developments in a form that is easy for physicists to understand and appreciate." "The treatment starts with the basic concepts and is carried through to some of the most significant developments in atomic physics, electronics energy bands in solids and the theory of elementary particles. No prior knowledge of group theory is assumed, and for convenience, various relevant algebraic concepts are summarised in appendices."--Jacket The aim of this chapter is to introduce the idea of a group, to give some physically important examples, and then to indicate immediately how this notion arises naturally in physical problems, and how the related concept of a group representation lies at the heart of the quantum mechanical formulation.