Introduction To Physical Mathematics

Directed primarily at college and university undergraduates, this book covers at basic level the essential applications of mathematics to the physical sciences. It contains all the usual topics covered in a first-year course such as vectors, matrices, differential equations, basic mathematical functions and their analysis, and power series. There is a strong emphasis on qualitative understanding (such as curve sketching) and practical methods of solution. The latter take due account of the impact of computers on the subject. The principles of mathematical expression are illustrated by copious examples taken from a wide range of topics in physics and chemistry. Each of the short chapters concludes with a summary and a large number of problems.

Unique in its clarity, examples and range, Physical Mathematics explains as simply as possible the mathematics that graduate students and professional physicists need in their courses and research. The author illustrates the mathematics with numerous physical examples drawn from contemporary research. In addition to basic subjects such as linear algebra, Fourier analysis, complex variables, differential equations and Bessel functions, this textbook covers topics such as the singular-value decomposition, Lie algebras, the tensors and forms of general relativity, the central limit theorem and Kolmogorov test of statistics, the Monte Carlo methods of experimental and theoretical physics, the renormalization group of condensed-matter physics and the functional derivatives and Feynman path integrals of quantum field theory.

As many readers will know, the 20th century was a time when the fields of mathematics and the sciences were seen as two separate entities. Caused by the rapid growth of the physical sciences and an increasing abstraction in mathematical research, each party, physicists and mathematicians alike, suffered a misconception; not only of the opposition’s theoretical underpinning, but of how the two subjects could be intertwined and effectively utilized. One sub-discipline that played a part in the union of the two subjects is Theoretical Physics. Breaking it down further came the fundamental theories, Relativity and Quantum theory, and later on Yang-Mills theory. Other areas to emerge in this area are those derived from the works of Donaldson, Chern-Simons, Floer-Fukaya, and Seiberg-Witten. Aimed at a wide audience, Physical Topics in Mathematics demonstrates how various physical theories have played a crucial role in the developments of Mathematics and in particular, Geometric Topology. Issues are studied in great detail, and the book steadfastly covers the background of both Mathematics and Theoretical Physics in an effort to bring the reader to a deeper understanding of their interaction. Whilst the world of Theoretical Physics and Mathematics is boundless; it is not the intention of this book to cover its enormity. Instead, it seeks to lead the reader through the world of Physical Mathematics; leaving them with a choice of which realm they wish to visit next.

Mathematics instruction is often more effective when presented in a physical context. Schramm uses this insight to help develop students' physical intuition as he guides them through the mathematical methods required to study upper-level physics. Based on the undergraduate Math Methods course he has taught for many years at Occidental College, the text encourages a symbiosis through which the physics illuminates the math, which in turn informs the physics. Appropriate for both classroom and self-study use, the text begins with a review of useful techniques to ensure students are comfortable with prerequisite material. It then moves on to cover vector fields, analytic functions, linear algebra, function spaces, and differential equations. Written in an informal and engaging style, it also includes short supplementary digressions ('By the Ways') as optional boxes showcasing directions in which the math or physics may be explored further. Extensive problems are included throughout, many taking advantage of Mathematica, to test and deepen comprehension.

Reader-friendly guide offers illustrative examples of the rules of physical science and how they were formulated. Topics include the role of mathematics as the language of physics; nature of mechanical vibrations; harmonic motion and shapes; geometry of the laws of motion; more. 60 figures. 1963 edition.

Concise treatment of mathematical entities employs examples from the physical sciences. Topics include distribution theory, Fourier series, Laplace transforms, wave and heat conduction equations, and gamma and Bessel functions. 1966 edition.

A comprehensive survey of all the mathematical methods that should be available to graduate students in physics. In addition to the usual topics of analysis, such as infinite series, functions of a complex variable and some differential equations as well as linear vector spaces, this book includes a more extensive discussion of group theory than can be found in other current textbooks. The main feature of this textbook is its extensive treatment of geometrical methods as applied to physics. With its introduction of differentiable manifolds and a discussion of vectors and forms on such manifolds as part of a first-year graduate course in mathematical methods, the text allows students to grasp at an early stage the contemporary literature on dynamical systems, solitons and related topological solutions to field equations, gauge theories, gravitational theory, and even string theory. Free solutions manual available for lecturers at www.wiley-vch.de/supplements/.

The book begins with a thorough introduction to complex analysis, which is then used to understand the properties of ordinary differential equations and their solutions. The latter are obtained in both series and integral representations. Integral transforms are introduced, providing an opportunity to complement complex analysis with techniques that flow from an algebraic approach. This moves naturally into a discussion of eigenvalue and boundary vale problems. A thorough discussion of multi-dimensional boundary value problems then introduces the reader to the fundamental partial differential equations and “special functions” of mathematical physics. Moving to non-homogeneous boundary value problems the reader is presented with an analysis of Green’s functions from both analytical and algebraic points of view. This leads to a concluding chapter on integral equations.