Mathematical Methods for Physicists
A Concise Introduction

This text is designed for an intermediate-level, two-semester undergraduate course in mathematical physics.

Tai L. Chow (Author)

9780521655446, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 27 July 2000

572 pages, 113 b/w illus. 316 exercises
24.6 x 17.6 x 3.2 cm, 1.055 kg

This text is designed for an intermediate-level, two-semester undergraduate course in mathematical physics. It provides an accessible account of most of the current, important mathematical tools required in physics these days. It is assumed that the reader has an adequate preparation in general physics and calculus. The book bridges the gap between an introductory physics course and more advanced courses in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal and statistical physics. The text contains a large number of worked examples to illustrate the mathematical techniques developed and to show their relevance to physics. The book is designed primarily for undergraduate physics majors, but could also be used by students in other subjects, such as engineering, astronomy and mathematics.

Preface
1. Vector and tensor analysis
2. Ordinary differential equations
3. Matrix algebra
4. Fourier series and integrals
5. Linear vector spaces
6. Functions of a complex variable
7. Special functions of mathematical physics
8. The calculus of variations
9. The Laplace transformation
10. Partial differential equations
11. Simple linear integral equations
12. Elements of group theory
13. Numerical methods
14. Introduction to probability theory
Appendices
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Technology: general issues [TB], Physics [PH]