Matrix Methods And Vector Spaces In Physics

They have wide applications in a number of subjects ranging from solid state physics, solid/fluid mechanics to relativity and electromagnetics. This well-written book gives, in an easy-to-read style, a step-by-step and comprehensive understanding about the various concepts, theories and applications of vector spaces, matrices and tensors. The book equips the reader with the fundamental knowledge in such subjects as matrix theory, linear algebraic equations, applications of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalisation process, quadratic forms, Cartesian tensors and more.

The theory of vector spaces and matrices is an essential part of the mathematical background required by physicists. Most books on the subject, however, do not adequately meet the requirements of physics courses-they tend to be either highly mathematical or too elementary. Books that focus on mathematical theory may render the subject too dry to hold the interest of physics students, while books that are more elementary tend to neglect some topics that are vital in the development of physical theories. In particular, there is often very little discussion of vector spaces, and many books introduce matrices merely as a computational tool. Vector Spaces and Matrices in Physics fills the gap between the elementary and the heavily mathematical treatments of the subject with an approach and presentation ideal for graduate-level physics students. After building a foundation in vector spaces and matrix algebra, the author takes care to emphasize the role of matrices as representations of linear transformations on vector spaces, a concept of matrix theory that is essential for a proper understanding of quantum mechanics. He includes numerous solved and unsolved problems, and enough hints for the unsolved problems to make the book self-sufficient. Developed through many years of lecture notes, Vector Spaces and Matrices in Physics was written primarily as a graduate and post-graduate textbook and as a reference for physicists. Its clear presentation and concise but thorough coverage, however, make it useful for engineers, chemists, economists, and anyone who needs a background in matrices for application in other areas.

Vector spaces, matrices, and tensors in physics form an essential part of the mathematical background required by physicists. This book is written primarily as textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate students and as a reference book for working physicists. Special emphasis is given to topics relevant to physics, for example linear independence and dependence of vectors, inner product, orthonormality, matrices as representations of linear transformations on vector spaces, similarity, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diagonalization of matrices, expressing various physical quantities as tensors, tensorial formulation of vector algebra, calculus and geometry. The role of orthogonal, hermitian and unitary matrices in physics is highlighted.

Introduction to Fourier Transforms in Physics

This unique text provides a geometric approach to group theory and linear algebra, bringing to light the interesting ways in which these subjects interact. Requiring few prerequisites beyond understanding the notion of a proof, the text aims to give students a strong foundation in both geometry and algebra. Starting with preliminaries (relations, elementary combinatorics, and induction), the book then proceeds to the core topics: the elements of the theory of groups and fields (Lagrange's Theorem, cosets, the complex numbers and the prime fields), matrix theory and matrix groups, determinants, vector spaces, linear mappings, eigentheory and diagonalization, Jordan decomposition and normal form, normal matrices, and quadratic forms. The final two chapters consist of a more intensive look at group theory, emphasizing orbit stabilizer methods, and an introduction to linear algebraic groups, which enriches the notion of a matrix group. Applications involving symm etry groups, determinants, linear coding theory and cryptography are interwoven throughout. Each section ends with ample practice problems assisting the reader to better understand the material. Some of the applications are illustrated in the chapter appendices. The author's unique melding of topics evolved from a two semester course that he taught at the University of British Columbia consisting of an undergraduate honors course on abstract linear algebra and a similar course on the theory of groups. The combined content from both makes this rare text ideal for a year-long course, covering more material than most linear algebra texts. It is also optimal for independent study and as a supplementary text for various professional applications. Advanced undergraduate or graduate students in mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering will find this book both useful and enjoyable.

A rigorous introduction to calculus in vector spaces The concepts and theorems of advanced calculus combined withrelated computational methods are essential to understanding nearlyall areas of quantitative science. Analysis in Vector Spacespresents the central results of this classic subject throughrigorous arguments, discussions, and examples. The book aims tocultivate not only knowledge of the major theoretical results, butalso the geometric intuition needed for both mathematicalproblem-solving and modeling in the formal sciences. The authors begin with an outline of key concepts, terminology,and notation and also provide a basic introduction to set theory,the properties of real numbers, and a review of linear algebra. Anelegant approach to eigenvector problems and the spectral theoremsets the stage for later results on volume and integration.Subsequent chapters present the major results of differential andintegral calculus of several variables as well as the theory ofmanifolds. Additional topical coverage includes: Sets and functions Real numbers Vector functions Normed vector spaces First- and higher-order derivatives Diffeomorphisms and manifolds Multiple integrals Integration on manifolds Stokes' theorem Basic point set topology Numerous examples and exercises are provided in each chapter toreinforce new concepts and to illustrate how results can be appliedto additional problems. Furthermore, proofs and examples arepresented in a clear style that emphasizes the underlying intuitiveideas. Counterexamples are provided throughout the book to warnagainst possible mistakes, and extensive appendices outline theconstruction of real numbers, include a fundamental result aboutdimension, and present general results about determinants. Assuming only a fundamental understanding of linear algebra andsingle variable calculus, Analysis in Vector Spaces is anexcellent book for a second course in analysis for mathematics,physics, computer science, and engineering majors at theundergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as a valuablereference for further study in any discipline that requires a firmunderstanding of mathematical techniques and concepts.

Algebraic structures including vector space, groups, topological spaces and more, all covered in one volume, showing the mutual connections.