The book gives a general introduction to classical theoretical physics, in the fields of mechanics, relativity and electromagnetism. It is analytical in approach and detailed in the derivations of physical consequences from the fundamental principles in each of the fields. The book is aimed at physics students in the last year of their undergraduate or first year of their graduate studies.
The text is illustrated with many figures, most of these in color. There are many useful examples and exercises which complement the derivations in the text.
Sample Chapter(s)
Introduction
Chapter 1: Generalized Coordinates
- Analytical Mechanics:
- Generalized Coordinates
- Lagrange's Equations
- Hamiltonian Dynamics
- Relativity:
- The Four-Dimensional Space-Time
- Consequences of the Lorentz Transformations
- Four-Vector Formalism and Covariant Equations
- Relativistic Kinematics
- Relativistic Dynamics
- Electrodynamics:
- Maxwell's Equations
- Electromagnetic Field Dynamics
- Maxwell's Equations with Stationary Sources
- Electromagnetic Radiation
