The lazy universe : an introduction to the principle of least action /

This is a rare book on a rare topic: it is about 'action' and the Principle of Least Action. A surprisingly well-kept secret, these ideas are at the heart of physical science and engineering. Physics is well known as being concerned with grand conservatory principles (e.g. the conservation...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Gespeichert in:
1. Verfasser:
Coopersmith, Jennifer
Format:
Elektronisch E-Book
Sprache:
Englisch
Veröffentlicht:
Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2017.
Ausgabe:
First edition.
Zusammenfassung:
This is a rare book on a rare topic: it is about 'action' and the Principle of Least Action. A surprisingly well-kept secret, these ideas are at the heart of physical science and engineering. Physics is well known as being concerned with grand conservatory principles (e.g. the conservation of energy) but equally important is the optimisation principle (such as getting somewhere in the shortest time or with the least resistance). This text explains: why an optimisation principle underlies physics, what action is, what 'the Hamiltonian' is and how new insights into energy, space and time arise.
Umfang:
1 online resource (268 pages) : illustrations
Anmerkungen:
This edition previously issued in print: 2017.
Zielpublikum:
Specialized.
Bibliografie:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN:
0-19-180296-4
0-19-106072-0
Schlagworte:
Lanczos, Cornelius, > 1893-1974. > Variational principles of mechanics.
Bezugswerke:
Links: