Surprises in theoretical physics / by Rudolf Peierls.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Peierls, Rudolf E. (Rudolf Ernst), 1907-1995.

Series:

Princeton series in physics

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematical physics.

Physical Description:

viii, 166 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Princeton, N.J. : Princeton University Press, 1979.

Summary:

Problems in theoretical physics often lead to paradoxical answers; yet closer reasoning and a more complete analysis invariably lead to the resolution of the paradox and to a deeper understanding of the physics involved. Drawing primarily from his own experience and that of his collaborators, Sir Rudolf Peierls selects examples of such "surprises" from a wide range of physical theory, from quantum mechanical scattering theory to the theory of relativity, from irreversibility in statistical mechanics to the behavior of electrons in solids. By studying such surprises and learning what kind of possibilities to look for, he suggests, scientists may be able to avoid errors in future problems.

Contents:

1. General Quantum Mechanics 3

1.1 Born Approximation for Short-Range Interaction 3

1.2 Shadow Scattering 6

1.3 Waves and Particles 10

1.4 Angle Operator 14

1.5 The Adiabatic Expansion 17

1.6 Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics 23

1.7 [gamma]-Ray Microscope 34

1.8 Alarm-Clock Paradox 36

2. Quantum Theory of Atoms 40

2.1 Scattering of [gamma]-Rays 40

2.2 Limits of the Heitler-London Approximation 44

2.3 Ground State of 2n Fermions in One Dimension 48

3. Statistical Mechanics 51

3.1 Pauli Principle in Metals 51

3.2 Ionization 53

3.3 Perturbation Theory for Statistical Equilibrium 56

3.4 Minimum Property of the Free Energy 58

3.5 Variation Principle for First N States 61

3.6 Influence of Boundary Conditions 64

3.7 Specification of Surface Energy 68

3.8 Irreversibility 73

4. Condensed Matter 85

4.1 Melting in One, Two, and Three Dimensions 85

4.2 Momentum of Phonons 91

4.3 Electron Diamagnetism 99

4.4 De Haas-Van Alphen Effect 105

5. Transport Problems 111

5.1 Density Expansion of Diffusion Coefficient 111

5.2 Thermal Conduction in Non-Metals 115

5.3 Perturbation Theory in Transport Problems 121

6. Many-Body Problems 127

6.1 Off-Shell Effects in Multiple Scattering 127

6.2 Perturbation Theory in Many-Body Systems 132

6.3 Positronium Formation in Metals 137

7. Nuclear Physics 147

7.1 The Shell Model 147

7.2 Center-of-Mass Motion 155

8. Relativity 160

8.1 Radiation in Hyperbolic Motion 160.

Notes:

Based on lectures given at the University of Washington in spring 1977, and at the Institut de Physique Nucleaire, Université de Paris Sud, Orsay, in winter 1977-78.

Includes index.

ISBN:

0691082413 :

0691082421

OCLC:

4932779