Guide to Modern Physics: Using Mathematica for Calculations and Visualizations

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to making beginning calculations in modern physics, using Mathematica, for second-year college physical science and engineering students. It emphasizes graphical visualization, units, and numerical answers, allowing students to learn physics without getting stuck on the math. The author, James Rohlf, is a Professor at Boston University and has extensive experience in physics research. The companion code for the book can be found on the author's website.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive guide is designed to assist second-year college physical science and engineering students in embarking on their journey into modern physics. It emphasizes the importance of making beginning calculations, emphasizing the role of Mathematica as a powerful tool for graphical visualization, unit conversion, and numerical analysis. By employing these techniques, students can learn the fundamentals of physics without becoming bogged down by complex mathematical equations.

The guide begins with a concise summary of the key physics concepts, providing a solid foundation for further exploration. Over 300 worked examples in Mathematica are included, allowing students to apply the theoretical principles in practical scenarios. A comprehensive tutorial is also provided, guiding beginners through the process of producing fast and accurate results.

The companion code for this book can be found at https://physics.bu.edu/~rohlf/code.html, offering additional resources and support for students.

James Rohlf, a Professor at Boston University, has a rich academic background. As a graduate student, he contributed to groundbreaking research in particle physics. His thesis, supervised by renowned scientists G. C. Fox, C. Barnes, R. P. Feynman, and R. Gomez, involved the comparison of observed jets from hadron collisions to those from electron-positron collisions. Rohlf made detailed acceptance corrections using the model of Field and Feynman, leading to the measurement of quark-quark scattering cross sections. His thesis was published in Nuclear Physics B171 (1980).

At Cornell Electron Storage Rings, Rohlf played a pivotal role in the discovery of the Upsilon (4S) resonance. He also developed novel event shape variables with Stephen Wolfram and his thesis advisor, Geoffrey Fox. By performing particle identification of kaons and charmed mesons, Rohlf established the quark decay sequence, b –> c.

At CERN, Rohlf was involved in the discovery of the W and Z bosons and the measurement of the top quark mass. His contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of the fundamental forces of nature.

In conclusion, this guide is an invaluable resource for students seeking to excel in modern physics. By leveraging the power of Mathematica and employing practical calculation techniques, students can gain a deep understanding of the subject matter while developing essential problem-solving skills. With its concise summary, extensive examples, and comprehensive tutorial, this guide empowers students to embark on their journey into the world of physics with confidence and enthusiasm.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032498010