Modern Classical Mechanics

Presents classical mechanics as a thriving field with strong connections to modern physics, with numerous worked examples and homework problems.

T. M. Helliwell (Author), V. V. Sahakian (Author)

9781108834971, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 December 2020

704 pages
25.2 x 19.3 x 3.7 cm, 1.66 kg

'Helliwell and Sahakian redefine the classical mechanics textbook. Ample coverage of classical theory is connected to modern ideas of general relativity and quantum physics throughout the text in the choice of topics and examples. I would have loved this book as a student for its breadth and sophistication.' Peter Lepage, Cornell University

In this modern and distinctive textbook, Helliwell and Sahakian present classical mechanics as a thriving and contemporary field with strong connections to cutting-edge research topics in physics. Each part of the book concludes with a capstone chapter describing various key topics in quantum mechanics, general relativity, and other areas of modern physics, clearly demonstrating how they relate to advanced classical mechanics, and enabling students to appreciate the central importance of classical mechanics within contemporary fields of research. Numerous and detailed examples are interleaved with theoretical content, illustrating abstract concepts more concretely. Extensive problem sets at the end of each chapter further reinforce students' understanding of key concepts, and provide opportunities for assessment or self-testing. A detailed online solutions manual and lecture slides accompany the text for instructors. Often a flexible approach is required when teaching advanced classical mechanics, and, to facilitate this, the authors have outlined several paths instructors and students can follow through the book, depending on background knowledge and the length of their course.

Part I: 1. Newtonian particle mechanics
2. Relativity
3. The variational principle
4. Lagrangian mechanics
5. From classical to quantum and back
Part II: 6. Constraints and symmetries
7. Gravitation
8. Electromagnetism
9. Accelerating frames
10. From black holes to random forces
Part III: 11. Hamiltonian formulation
12. Rigid body dynamics
13. Coupled oscillators
14. Complex systems
15. Seeds of quantization
Appendices
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Applied physics [PHV], Classical mechanics [PHD]