Theoretical concepts in physics : an alternative view of theoretical reasoning in physics

A highly original, and truly novel, approach to theoretical reasoning in physics. This book illuminates the subject from the perspective of real physics as practised by research scientists. It is intended to be a supplement to the final years of an undergraduate course in physics and assumes that the reader has some grasp of university physics. By means of a series of seven case studies, the author conveys the excitement of research and discovery, highlighting the intellectual struggles to attain understanding of some of the most difficult concepts in physics. Case studies include the origins of Newton's law of gravitation, Maxwell's equations, mechanics and dynamics, linear and non-linear, thermodynamics and statistical physics, the origins of the concepts of quanta, special relativity, general relativity and cosmology. The approach is the same as that in the highly acclaimed first edition, but the text has been completely revised and many new topics introduced. This Second Edition Of A Popular Text Demonstrates How Physics Can Be Appreciated Through A Series Of Case Studies Spanning A Complete University Physics Course. Highlights Include Three New Chapters On Newton's Laws (one On Ancient Astronomy Up To The Time Of Galileo, One On Galileo, And One On Newton); A New Chapter On Dimensional Methods, Chaos And Self-organized Criticality; And A New Chapter On The Technology Of Cosmology. Although All The Arguments Are Presented Precisely In Physical And Mathematical Terminology, The Book Is Written In A Relatively Non-technical Manner, Intended To Convey A Deep Understanding And Appreciation Of The Incredible Achievements Of Theorists In Creating The Structure Of Modern Physics. The Origins Of Newton's Law Of Gravitation -- From Ptolemy To Kepler -- The Copernican Revolution -- Galileo And The Nature Of The Physical Sciences -- Newton And The Law Of Gravity -- Maxwell's Equations -- The Origin Of Maxwell's Equations -- How To Rewrite The History Of Electromagnetism -- Mechanics And Dynamics -- Linear And Non-linear -- Approaches To Mechanics And Dynamics -- Dimensional Analysis, Chaos And Self-organised Criticality -- Thermodynamics And Statistical Physics -- Basic Thermodynamics -- Kinetic Theory And The Origin Of Statistical Mechanics -- The Origins Of The Concept Of Quanta -- Black-body Radiation Up To 1895 -- 1895-1900: Planck And The Spectrum Of Black-body Radiation -- Planck's Theory Of Black-body Radiation -- Einstein And The Quantisation Of Light -- The Triumph Of The Quantum Hypothesis -- Special Relativity -- Special Relativity -- A Study Of Invariance -- General Relativity And Cosmology -- An Introduction To General Relativity -- The Technology Of Cosmology -- Cosmology. Malcolm S. Longair. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This second edition of a popular text demonstrates how physics can be appreciated through a series of case studies spanning a complete university physics course. Highlights include three new chapters on Newton's laws (one on ancient astronomy up to the time of Galileo, one on Galileo, and one on Newton); a new chapter on dimensional methods, chaos and self-organized criticality; and a new chapter on the technology of cosmology. Although all the arguments are presented precisely in physical and mathematical terminology, the book is written in a relatively non-technical manner, intended to convey a deep understanding and appreciation of the incredible achievements of theorists in creating the structure of modern physics. First Edition Hb (1984): 0-521-25550-3 First Edition Pb (1984): 0-521-27553-9