Understanding the Path from Classical to Quantum Mechanics / by Jaroslav Zamastil.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Zamastil, Jaroslav.

Series:

SpringerBriefs in Physics, 2191-5431

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Quantum theory.

Physics--History.

Physics.

Quantum Physics.

History of Physics and Astronomy.

Conceptual Development in Physics.

Local Subjects:

Quantum Physics.

History of Physics and Astronomy.

Conceptual Development in Physics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (68 pages)

Edition:

1st ed. 2023.

Place of Publication:

Cham : Springer Nature Switzerland : Imprint: Springer, 2023.

Summary:

The book is about the transition from classical to quantum mechanics, covering the historical development of this great leap, and explaining the concepts needed to understand it at a level suitable for undergraduate students. The first part of the book summarizes classical electrodynamics and the Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics, the two elements of classical physics which are crucial for understanding the classical to quantum transition. The second part loosely traces the historical development of the classical to quantum transition, starting with Einstein’s 1916 derivation of the Planck radiation law, continuing with the Ladenburg-Kramers-Born-Heisenberg dispersion theory and ending with Heisenberg’s magical 1925 paper which established quantum mechanics. The purpose of the book is partly historical, partly philosophical, but mainly pedagogical. It will appeal to a wide audience, from undergraduate students, for whom it can serve as a preparatory or supplementary text to standard textbooks, to physicists and historians interested in the historical development of science.

Contents:

Chapter 1. Mathematical Preliminaries

Chapter 2. Classical electrodynamics

Chapter 3. Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics

Chapter 4. Steps to the correct solution

Chapter 5. Heisenberg’s magical steps

Chapter 6. Reflections on the quantum mechanics and the path leading to its discovery.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Other Format:

Print version: Zamastil, Jaroslav Understanding the Path from Classical to Quantum Mechanics

ISBN:

9783031373732

3031373731

OCLC:

1391990987