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 a cornerstone of geometrical optics. This book explains variational principles and charts their use throughout modern physics. It examines the analytical mechanics of Lagrange and Hamilton, the basic tools of any physicist. The book also...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3031216946
• ISBN13: 9783031216947
• Release Date: February 2024
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"