Concepts of Modern Physics (Asia Adaptation)
Published on 1. October 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
580 pages
978-981-4595-26-1 (ISBN)
Description
Concepts of Modern Physics is an updated, accessible presentation of modern physics available. The book is intended to be used in a one-semester course on modern physics for students who have already had basic physics and calculus courses. The balance of the book leans more toward ideas than experimental methods and practical applications because the beginning student is better served by a conceptual framework than by a mass of details. The sequence of topics follows a logical, rather than strictly historical, order. Relativity and quantum ideas are considered first to provide a framework for understanding the physics of atoms and nuclei. The theory of the atom is then developed, and followed by a discussion of the properties of aggregates of atoms, which includes a look at statistical mechanics. Finally atomic nuclei and elementary particles are examined. This edition features: The presentation concentrates more on building a conceptual framework of ideas rather than on experimental methods and applications. The sequence of topics is logical (one idea flows from the previous) rather than historical. Important topics are introduced on a relatively elementary level.
Exercises are at a variety of levels ranging from the very easy to those that require more thoughtful consideration of the material. Updated with topics on special relativity, quantum mechanics, and elementary particles received major revisions within this new edition. In addition, smaller changes and updates were made throughout the book and several new topics were added, for example Einstein's derivation of the Planck radiation law. More material on the aspects of astrophysics that illustrate important elements of modern physics have also been added throughout the text where relevant. NEW TO THIS EDITION New introduction chapter to introduce modern physics in the context of its development, covering the discoveries; from "atom to quantum". Topics re-arranged and new section on Computational Physics added in chapter on Relativity. New examples on modern applications in selected early chapters.
Exercises are at a variety of levels ranging from the very easy to those that require more thoughtful consideration of the material. Updated with topics on special relativity, quantum mechanics, and elementary particles received major revisions within this new edition. In addition, smaller changes and updates were made throughout the book and several new topics were added, for example Einstein's derivation of the Planck radiation law. More material on the aspects of astrophysics that illustrate important elements of modern physics have also been added throughout the text where relevant. NEW TO THIS EDITION New introduction chapter to introduce modern physics in the context of its development, covering the discoveries; from "atom to quantum". Topics re-arranged and new section on Computational Physics added in chapter on Relativity. New examples on modern applications in selected early chapters.
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Persons
Arthur Beiser, a native of New York City, received B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in physics from New York University, where he later served as Associate Professor of Physics. He then was a Senior Research Scientist at the Lamont Geo- logical Observatory of Columbia University. His research interests were chiefly in cosmic rays and in magnetohydrodynamics as applied to geophysics and astrophys- ics. In addition to theoretical work, he participated in a cosmic-ray expedition to an Alaskan peak and directed a search for magnetohydrodynamic waves from space in various Pacific locations. A Fellow of The Explorers Club, Dr. Beiser was the first chairman of its Committee on Space Exploration. He is the author or coauthor of 36 books, mostly college texts on physics and mathematics, 14 of which have been translated into a total of 27 languages. Two of his books are on sailing, The Proper Yacht and The Sailors World. Figure 13-21 is a photograph of Dr. Beiser at the helm of his 58-ft sloop; he and his wife Germaine have sailed over 150,000 miles, includ- ing two Atlantic crossings and a rounding of Cape Horn. Germaine Beiser, who has degrees in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University, is the author or coauthor of seven books on various aspects of physics and has contributed to The Physical Universe. For a number of years she was the editor of a cruising guide to the Adriatic Sea.
Content
Introduction
1 Relativity
2 Particle Properties of Waves
3 Waves Properties of Particles
4 Atomic Structure
5 Quantum Mechanics
6 Quantum Theory of the Hydrogen Atom
7 Many-Electron Atoms
8 Molecules
9 Statistical Mechanics
10 The Solid State
11 Nuclear Structure
12 Nuclear Transformations
13 Elementary Particles
Appendix Atomic Masses
1 Relativity
2 Particle Properties of Waves
3 Waves Properties of Particles
4 Atomic Structure
5 Quantum Mechanics
6 Quantum Theory of the Hydrogen Atom
7 Many-Electron Atoms
8 Molecules
9 Statistical Mechanics
10 The Solid State
11 Nuclear Structure
12 Nuclear Transformations
13 Elementary Particles
Appendix Atomic Masses