Rojo, Alberto G.,

The principle of least action : history and physics / Alberto Rojo. - Cambridge : Cambridge University Press , 2018 . - xi, 255 pages : illustrations ;

Includes bibliographical references and index.

"The Principle of Least Action originates in the idea that, if Nature has a purpose, it should follow a minimum or critical path. This simple principle (and its variants and generalizations) applies to optics, mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity and quantum mechanics, and provides an essential guide to understanding the beauty of physics. This unique text provides an accessible introduction to the action principle across these various fields of physics and examines its history and fundamental role in science"--

9780521869027 0521869021


Least action.
Variational principles.
Mechanics.
Lagrange equations.
Hamilton-Jacobi equations.

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