The Principle of Least Action: History and Physics (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780521869027)

The principle of least action originates in the idea that, if nature has a purpose, it should follow a minimum or critical path. This simple principle, and its variants and generalizations, applies to optics, mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics, and provides an essential guide to understanding the beauty of physics. This unique text provides an accessible introduction to the action principle across these various fields of physics, and examines its history and fundamental role in science. It includes - with varying levels of mathematical sophistication - explanations from historical sources, discussion of classic papers, and original worked examples. The result is a story that is understandable to those with a modest mathematical background, as well as to researchers and students in physics and the history of physics.

Author: Alberto Rojo, Anthony Bloch
ISBN-10: 0521869021
ISBN-13: 9780521869027
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 03/29/2018
Pages: 266
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.48lbs
Size: 9.99h x 7.21w x 0.65d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 11/01/2018