Mathematica and C in modern theoretical physics: with emphasis on quantum mechanics

Publication date 15 September 1997

Packaged methods for numerical algorithms (65Y15) Symbolic computation and algebraic computation (68W30) Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to mechanics of particles and systems (70-01) Computational methods for problems pertaining to mechanics of particles and systems (70-08) Computational methods for problems pertaining to quantum theory (81-08)

Review text

This book allows to study classical and quantum mechanics in an interactive way, by application of the computer algebra system Mathematica, combined with \(C\)-programs which are used mainly for numerical calculations. The data exchange between Mathematica and \(C\) is realized through MathLink and the presented C-programs can be compiled by means of usual software (Borland C 5.01 for Windows, or GNU C for OS/2 and Linux). The reader can find all the program listings on the inclosed CD-ROM, together with some useful programming tools. The topics considered in the book cover standard mechanics and quantum mechanics problems, as well as some advanced formulations. Beginning with the classical mechanics (Lagrange's and Hamilton equations in chapter 1), the author applies Mathematica to the solution of the encountered initial value problems, including the discretization techniques, stability and automatic step control. Chapter 2 introduces such advanced subjects as Hénon-Heiles systems, Poincaré sections and cyclic Toda chains. Nevertheless, the reader prone to deal only with classical problems, can find here detailed discussions of the Atwood machine and a parametrically excited pendulum. The next two chapters are devoted to purely physical problems. A short chapter 3 is concerned with electrostatics and describes how to calculate field lines and equipotential surfaces in three dimensions. The following chapter 4, ``Quantum mechanics, is central in the book and discusses in detail various applications which include, in particular, the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization, one- and three-dimensional oscillators, time-dependent Schrödinger equation, motion in a central field and, as an example, motion in the Coulomb field. Numerous new and interesting plots illustrate the solutions obtained, and thus demonstrate unexhaustible graphical possibilities of the Mathematica package. Summarizing, Kuska's book will be good reading for a student who is interested in modern computational methods and in mechanics, and provides a useful material for all teaching the subject.

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