Theory of Relativity
Wolfgang Pauli (1900-1958) was one of the 20th-century's most influential physicists. He was awarded the 1945 Nobel Prize for physics for the discovery of the exclusion principle (also called the Pauli principle). A brilliant theoretician, he was the first to posit the existence of the neutrino and one of the few early 20th-century physicists to fully understand the enormity of Einstein's theory of relativity.Pauli's early writings, Theory of Relativity, published when the author was a young man of 21, was originally conceived as a complete review of the whole literature on relativity. Now, given the plethora of literature since that time and the growing complexity of physics and quantum mechanics, such a review is simply no longer possible.In order to maintain a proper historical perspective of Professor Pauli's significant work, the original text is reprinted in full, in addition to the author's insightful retrospective update of the later developments connected with relativity theory and the controversial questions that it provokes.Pauli pays special attention to the thorny problem of unified field theories, its connection with the range validity of the classical field concept, and its application to the atomic features of nature. While an early skeptic of solutions along classical lines, Pauli's alternative model was subsequently supported by the newer epistemological analysis of quantum or wave mechanics. Given the many pieces of the puzzle yet to be fitted into a cohesive picture of relativity, the differences of opinion on the relation of relativity theory to quantum theory are merging into one of science's great open problems.Pauli provides additional informative views on: problems beyond the original frame of special and general relativity; the conflict between "classical physics" and the quantum mechanical approach; the importance of Einsteinian theory in the development of physics; and finally, the epistemological analysis of the finiteness of the quantum of action and the move away from na簿ve visualizations.
General Relativity from a to B
"This beautiful little book is certainly suitable for anyone who has had an introductory course in physics and even for some who have not."--Joshua N. Goldberg, Physics Today "An imaginative and convincing new presentation of Einstein's theory of general relativity. . . . The treatment is masterful, continual emphasis being placed on careful discussion and motivation, with the aim of showing how physicists think and develop their ideas."--Choice
Electromagnetic Vibrations, Waves, and Radiation
The book describes the features that vibrations and waves of all sorts have in common and includes examples of mechanical, acoustical, and optical manifestations of these phenomena that unite various parts of physics. The main emphasis, however, is on the oscillatory aspects of the electromagnetic field--that is, on the vibrations, waves, radiation, and the interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter.This text was developed over a five-year period during which its authors were teaching the subject. It is the culmination of successful editions of class notes and preliminary texts prepared for their one-semester course at MIT designed for sophomores majoring in physics but taken by students from other departments as well. The book describes the features that vibrations and waves of all sorts have in common and includes examples of mechanical, acoustical, and optical manifestations of these phenomena that unite various parts of physics. The main emphasis, however, is on the oscillatory aspects of the electromagnetic field--that is, on the vibrations, waves, radiation, and the interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter. The content is designed primarily for the use of second or third year students of physics who have had a semester of mechanics and a semester of electricity and magnetism. The aim throughout is to provide a mathematically unsophisticated treatment of the subject, but one that stresses modern applications of the principles involved. Descriptions of devices that embody such principles--such as seismometers, magnetrons, thermo-nuclear fusion experimental configurations, and lasers--are introduced at appropriate points in the text to illustrate the theoretical concepts. Many illustrations from astrophysics are also included.
The Theory of Sound, Volume One
"An outstanding treatise." -- Review of Scientific Instruments"Astonishing how this treatise ... still retains a place of preeminence in modern acoustical literature." -- Electronics IndustryThe major work by a Nobel Laureate who was among the greatest of 19th-century physicists is a standard compendium which has served generations of acousticians, physicists, and mathematical physicists as the classic coverage of all aspects of sound, both experimental and theoretical.The book sums up previous research and offers original contributions of Lord Rayleigh. It is, therefore, not only a reference book, but a book of great practical utility for all readers concerned with scientific aspects of sound. Volume 1 covers harmonic vibrations, systems with one degree of freedom, vibrating systems in general, transverse vibrations of strings, longitudinal and torsional vibrations of bars, vibrations of membranes and plates, curved shells and plates, and electrical vibrations. Volume II covers aerial vibrations, vibrations in tubes, reflection and refraction of plane waves, general equations, theory of resonators, Laplace's functions and acoustics, spherical sheets of air, vibration of solid bodies, and facts and theories of audition.
The Theory of Sound, Volume Two
"An outstanding treatise." -- Review of Scientific Instruments"Astonishing how this treatise ... still retains a place of preeminence in modern acoustical literature." -- Electronics IndustryThe major work by a Nobel Laureate who was among the greatest of 19th-century physicists is a standard compendium which has served generations of acousticians, physicists, and mathematical physicists as the classic coverage of all aspects of sound, both experimental and theoretical.The book sums up previous research and offers original contributions of Lord Rayleigh. It is, therefore, not only a reference book, but a book of great practical utility for all readers concerned with scientific aspects of sound. Volume 1 covers harmonic vibrations, systems with one degree of freedom, vibrating systems in general, transverse vibrations of strings, longitudinal and torsional vibrations of bars, vibrations of membranes and plates, curved shells and plates, and electrical vibrations. Volume II covers aerial vibrations, vibrations in tubes, reflection and refraction of plane waves, general equations, theory of resonators, Laplace's functions and acoustics, spherical sheets of air, vibration of solid bodies, and facts and theories of audition.
Schaum’s Outline of Optics
Confusing Textbooks? Missed Lectures? Not Enough Time?Fortunately for you, there's Schaum's Outlines. More than 40 million students have trusted Schaum's to help them succeed in the classroom and on exams. Schaum's is the key to faster learning and higher grades in every subject. Each Outline presents all the essential course information in an easy-to-follow, topic-by-topic format. You also get hundreds of examples, solved problems, and practice exercises to test your skills. This Schaum's Outline gives youPractice problems with full explanations that reinforce knowledgeCoverage of the most up-to-date developments in your course fieldIn-depth review of practices and applicationsFully compatible with your classroom text, Schaum's highlights all the important facts you need to know. Use Schaum's to shorten your study time-and get your best test scores!Schaum's Outlines-Problem Solved.
Schaum's Outline of Lagrangian Dynamics
The book clearly and concisely explains the basic principles of Lagrangian dynamicsand provides training in the actual physical and mathematical techniques of applying Lagrange's equations, laying the foundation for a later study of topics that bridge the gap between classical and quantum physics, engineering, chemistry and applied mathematics, and for practicing scientists and engineers.
Optics and Optical Instruments
This book illustrates basic practical applications of optical principle. Working models of telescopes, microscopes, photographic lenses, and optical projection systems are diagrammed and explained in full, as are the basic experiments for determining accuracy, power, angular field of view, amount of aberration, and all other necessary facts about the instrument. Throughout the book, only elementary mathematics is used, for the benefit of the student and the beginner in the field of optics.The author, an assistant professor at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, shows how to set up working models of each of the four types of instruments named above, so that the reader can see for himself the effects of changing the focal length, using different types of lenses, rotating the lens, and other experiments. He also includes a number of experiments to illustrate theoretical principles such as the reflection and refraction of light and focal length measurements of concave and convex lenses.A chapter on the human eye follows, and the author explains how to set up a simple working model of the eye in order to illustrate myopia, astigmatism, hypermetropia, and the visual acuity of the eye. Professor Johnson concludes with an important chapter on the working and testing of optical glass, in which he describes the roughing of lenses, the principles of the grinding and polishing processes, abrasives, edging, angle measurement, and other important steps in the production of optical glass. An appendix is included on the cleaning of glass surfaces, silvering, photographic items, developers, collodion films, and waxes and cements used for various purposes in optical work.This is a valuable work for the student and the amateur hobbyist as well as for many who use optical instruments in science and industry. It is written clearly and economically, with the needs of the practical worker in the field of optics held constantly in mind.
Philosophy of Space and Time
With unusual depth and clarity, it covers the problem of the foundations of geometry, the theory of time, the theory and consequences of Einstein's relativity including: relations between theory and observations, coordinate definitions, relations between topological and metrical properties of space, the psychological problem of the possibility of a visual intuition of non-Euclidean structures, and many other important topics in modern science and philosophy.While some of the book utilizes mathematics of a somewhat advanced nature, the exposition is so careful and complete that most people familiar with the philosophy of science or some intermediate mathematics will understand the majority of the ideas and problems discussed.Partial CONTENTS: I. The Problem of Physical Geometry. Universal and Differential Forces. Visualization of Geometries. Spaces with non-Euclidean Topological Properties. Geometry as a Theory of Relations. II. The Difference between Space and Time. Simultaneity. Time Order. Unreal Sequences. Ill. The Problem of a Combined Theory of Space and Time. Construction of the Space-Time Metric. Lorentz and Einstein Contractions. Addition Theorem of Velocities. Principle of Equivalence. Einstein's Concept of the Problems of Rotation and Gravitation. Gravitation and Geometry. Riemannian Spaces. The Singular Nature of Time. Spatial Dimensions. Reality of Space and Time.
Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism
"Maxwell is without peer. This printing is an opportunity to become thoroughly acquainted with the thoughts of the greatest of our electrical scientists." -- School Science and MathHere is the final elaboration of Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, including the systematic and rigorous derivation of his general equations of field theory. These equations continue to occupy a central position in the modern physicist's view of the physical world. They are a magnificent summary of the fundamental advances in electricity and magnetism, and later inspired the theories of Lorentz on the electron and Einstein on relativity. Einstein himself has said that "The formulation of these equations is the most important event in physics since Newton's time." (The Evolution of Physics.)Volume 1, Part 1, "Electrostatics," describes electrostatic phenomena and develops a mathematical theory of electricity. Maxwell discusses electrical work and energy in a system of conductors, mechanical action between two electrical systems, forms of equipotential surfaces and line of flow, spherical harmonics, the theory of electric images, and other topics. Part II, "Electrokinematics," deals with electric current conduction and resistance, electromotive force between bodies in contact, electrolysis, the mathematical theory of the distribution of electric currents, and other topics.
History of Astronomy from Thales to Kepler
This is the only detailed history of early astronomy available in English. Formerly published under the title History of the Planetary Systems from Thales to Kepler, it is recognized as a masterpiece of both historical insight and scientific accuracy.Beginning with the astronomical ideas of the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and pre-philosophic Greeks (Homer and Hesiod), it moves up through Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Xenophanes, Parmenides, Heraclitus, Empedocles, Democritus, and other early Greek cosmologists. The Pythagoreans are considered next, with their occasionally remarkable anticipations of modernity, and then Plato's astronomical thought. The enormously important system of concentric spheres for planets, usually associated with Eudoxus, is described in detail, followed by a discussion of Aristotle, Heraclides, and Aristarchus. The theory of epicycles -- which held for almost 2,000 years -- is then considered, with chapters on the dimensions of the world and the finished Ptolemaic system. Medieval European and Islamic cosmologies are then described in detail. Nicolas of Cusa, Regiomontanus, Calcagnini, and other transitional figures from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance are then followed by detailed chapters on Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, and Kepler."Standard reference on Greek astronomy and the Copernican revolution." -- Sky and Telescope. "A classical book in the field of the history of astronomy."-- Philosophy and Science.
