Variational Principles in Physics

by Jean-Louis Basdevant

Book Overview

Variational principles have proven to be surprisingly fertile. For example, Fermat used variational methods to demonstrate that light follows the fastest route from one point to another, an idea which came to be known as Fermat's principle, a cornerstone of geometrical optics. This book explains variational principles and charts their use throughout modern physics. The heart of the book is devoted to the analytical mechanics of Lagrange and Hamilton,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0387377476
• ISBN13: 9780387377476
• Release Date: December 2006
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 183 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.4" x 9.3"