The Role Of Mathematics In Physical Sciences

Even though mathematics and physics have been related for centuries and this relation appears to be unproblematic, there are many questions still open: Is mathematics really necessary for physics, or could physics exist without mathematics? Should we think physically and then add the mathematics apt to formalise our physical intuition, or should we think mathematically and then interpret physically the obtained results? Do we get mathematical objects by abstraction from real objects, or vice versa? Why is mathematics effective into physics? These are all relevant questions, whose answers are necessary to fully understand the status of physics, particularly of contemporary physics. The aim of this book is to offer plausible answers to such questions through both historical analyses of relevant cases, and philosophical analyses of the relations between mathematics and physics.

Even though mathematics and physics have been related for centuries and this relation appears to be unproblematic, there are many questions still open: Is mathematics really necessary for physics, or could physics exist without mathematics? Should we think physically and then add the mathematics apt to formalise our physical intuition, or should we think mathematically and then interpret physically the obtained results? Do we get mathematical objects by abstraction from real objects, or vice versa? Why is mathematics effective into physics? These are all relevant questions, whose answers are necessary to fully understand the status of physics, particularly of contemporary physics. The aim of this book is to offer plausible answers to such questions through both historical analyses of relevant cases, and philosophical analyses of the relations between mathematics and physics.

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.

This book is about mathematics in physics education, the difficulties students have in learning physics, and the way in which mathematization can help to improve physics teaching and learning. The book brings together different teaching and learning perspectives, and addresses both fundamental considerations and practical aspects. Divided into four parts, the book starts out with theoretical viewpoints that enlighten the interplay of physics and mathematics also including historical developments. The second part delves into the learners’ perspective. It addresses aspects of the learning by secondary school students as well as by students just entering university, or teacher students. Topics discussed range from problem solving over the role of graphs to integrated mathematics and physics learning. The third part includes a broad range of subjects from teachers’ views and knowledge, the analysis of classroom discourse and an evaluated teaching proposal. The last part describes approaches that take up mathematization in a broader interpretation, and includes the presentation of a model for physics teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) specific to the role of mathematics in physics.

Mathematics for Physical Science and Engineering is a complete text in mathematics for physical science that includes the use of symbolic computation to illustrate the mathematical concepts and enable the solution of a broader range of practical problems. This book enables professionals to connect their knowledge of mathematics to either or both of the symbolic languages Maple and Mathematica. The book begins by introducing the reader to symbolic computation and how it can be applied to solve a broad range of practical problems. Chapters cover topics that include: infinite series; complex numbers and functions; vectors and matrices; vector analysis; tensor analysis; ordinary differential equations; general vector spaces; Fourier series; partial differential equations; complex variable theory; and probability and statistics. Each important concept is clarified to students through the use of a simple example and often an illustration. This book is an ideal reference for upper level undergraduates in physical chemistry, physics, engineering, and advanced/applied mathematics courses. It will also appeal to graduate physicists, engineers and related specialties seeking to address practical problems in physical science. Clarifies each important concept to students through the use of a simple example and often an illustration Provides quick-reference for students through multiple appendices, including an overview of terms in most commonly used applications (Mathematica, Maple) Shows how symbolic computing enables solving a broad range of practical problems

Topics include vector spaces and matrices; orthogonal functions; polynomial equations; asymptotic expansions; ordinary differential equations; conformal mapping; and extremum problems. Includes exercises and solutions. 1962 edition.

Graduate-level text offers unified treatment of mathematics applicable to many branches of physics. Theory of vector spaces, analytic function theory, theory of integral equations, group theory, and more. Many problems. Bibliography.

Mathematics for Physics features both print and online support, with many in-text exercises and end-of-chapter problems, and web-based computer programs, to both stimulate learning and build understanding.