Vector Spaces And Matrices In Physics

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students receive the benefits of axiom-based mathematical reasoning as well as a grasp of concrete formulations. Suitable as a primary or supplementary text for college-level courses in linear algebra. 1957 edition.

The First Part Of This Book Begins With An Introduction To Matrices Through Linear Transformations On Vector Spaces, Followed By A Discussion On The Algebra Of Matrices, Special Matrices, Linear Equations, The Eigenvalue Problem, Bilinear And Quadratic Forms, Kronecker Sum And Product Of Matrices. Other Matrices Which Occur In Physics, Such As The Rotation Matrix, Pauli Spin Matrices And Dirac Matrices, Are Then Presented. A Brief Account Of Infinite Matrices From The Point Of View Of Matrix Formulation Of Quantum Mechanics Is Also Included. The Emphasis In This Part Is On Linear Dependence And Independence Of Vectors And Matrices, Linear Combinations, Independent Parameters Of Various Special Matrices And Such Other Concepts As Help The Student In Obtaining A Clear Understanding Of The Subject. A Simplified Proof Of The Theorem That A Common Set Of Eigenvectors Can Be Found For Two Commuting Matrices Is Given. The Second Part Deals With Cartesian And General Tensors. Many Physical Situations Are Discussed Which Require The Use Of Second And Higher Rank Tensors, Such As Effective Mass Tensor, Moment Of Inertia Tensor, Stress, Strain And Elastic Constants, Piezoelectric Strain Coefficient Tensor, Etc. Einsteins Summation Convention Is Explained In Detail And Common Errors Arising In Its Use Are Pointed Out. Rules For Checking The Correctness Of Tensor Equations Are Given. This Is Followed By Four-Vectors In Special Relativity And Covarient Formulation Of Electrodynamics. This Part Comes To An End With The Concept Of Parallel Displacement Of Vectors In Riemannian Space And Covariant Derivative Of Tensors, Leading To The Curvature Tensors And Its Properties.Appendix I Has Expanded And Two New Appendices Have Been Added In This Edition.

Introduction to Fourier Transforms in Physics

This high-level text explains the mathematics behind basic circuit theory. It covers matrix algebra, the basic theory of n-dimensional spaces, and applications to linear systems. Numerous problems. 1963 edition.