A first course in mathematical physics (Q2800599)

This book is designed to be useful to undergraduate students in physics interesting in applying their knowledge to exciting modern branches of theoretical physics. Though most books on theoretical physics emphasize the physical rather the mathematical aspects, this book provides a very elementary introduction to basic mathematics for students. Previous knowledge in mathematics is not assumed.NEWLINENEWLINEThe book has twelve chapters. Chapter 1 studies functions of one variable, Chapter 2 complex numbers and Chapter 3 vectors in three dimensions. Chapter 4 defines real and complex vector spaces in general, while in Chapter 5 Whelan looks at functions of several variables and in Chapter 6 at vector fields and operators. The Dirac delta function is introduced in Chapter 7, while in Chapter 8 it is shown how one can define a complex function. The following chapters are devoted to various physical topics and their underlying mathematics. Chapter 9 provides a very short introduction to Maxwell's equations, Chapter 10 to special relativity and Lorentz transformation. Chapter 11 (a rather long chapter) is intended as an introduction to quantum theory emphasizing the probabilistic interpretation. The subject of Chapter 12 is an informal, sometimes philosophical treatment of the variational principles and their history.NEWLINENEWLINEA large number of mathematical problems have also been included in this book. The exposition demands minimal background, is self-contained and accessible, and is thus ideal for undergraduate students.