A First Course on Symmetry, Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics: The Foundations of Physics

This book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to special relativity and quantum mechanics, emphasizing symmetry as an integral part of the foundation. It covers topics such as space-time diagrams, the action principle, Noether's theorem, Lorentz vectors and tensors, symmetry breaking, and general relativity. It is intended as a stand-alone or supplementary physics text for students with a basic understanding of calculus and introductory physics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 390 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2020
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realms of special relativity and quantum mechanics, forming the cornerstone of 21st-century physics. It presents a novel perspective by granting symmetry its rightful prominence as an essential component of this foundation. Not only does it offer a conceptual understanding of symmetry, but also provides the mathematical tools necessary for quantitative analysis. As such, it serves as a valuable precursor to more specialized and advanced books on either special relativity or quantum mechanics.

Students are introduced to a range of topics that are typically covered at a later stage in their academic journey. These include space-time diagrams, the action principle, a proof of Noether's theorem, Lorentz vectors and tensors, symmetry breaking, and general relativity. The book also provides extensive descriptions on current topics of general interest, such as gravitational waves, cosmology, Bell's theorem, entanglement, and quantum computing.

Throughout the text, a strong emphasis is placed on the intimate connection between physics, symmetry, and mathematics. The writing style remains accessible and engaging, despite the rigorous and intensive content.

The book is designed as a standalone or supplementary physics text for a one or two-semester course, typically taken by students who have completed an introductory calculus course and a first-year physics course that includes Newtonian mechanics and some electrostatics. While basic knowledge of linear algebra is useful, it is not essential, as all requisite mathematical background is provided either in the body of the text or in the Appendices.

Interspersed throughout the text are over a hundred worked examples and unsolved exercises to aid the student's understanding and practice.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030554194
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020