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Classical Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics: A Historic-Axiomatic Approach

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    Book

  • 380 Pages
  • September 2019
  • Bentham Science Publishers Ltd
  • ID: 4900503

This unique textbook presents a novel, axiomatic pedagogical path from classical to quantum physics. Readers are introduced to the description of classical mechanics, which rests on Euler's and Helmholtz's rather than Newton's or Hamilton's representations. Special attention is given to the common attributes rather than to the differences between classical and quantum mechanics. Readers will also learn about Schrödinger's forgotten demands on quantization, his equation, Einstein's idea of ‘quantization as selection problem'.

The Schrödinger equation is derived without any assumptions about the nature of quantum systems, such as interference and superposition, or the existence of a quantum of action, h. The use of the classical expressions for the potential and kinetic energies within quantum physics is justified.

Key features:


  • Presents extensive reference to original texts.
  • Includes many details that do not enter contemporary representations of classical mechanics, although these details are essential for understanding quantum physics.
  • Contains a simple level of mathematics which is seldom higher than that of the common (Riemannian) integral.
  • Brings information about important scientists
  • Carefully introduces basic equations, notations and quantities in simple steps

This book addresses the needs of physics students, teachers and historians with its simple easy to understand presentation and comprehensive approach to both classical and quantum mechanics.


Table of Contents

Chapter 1


  • Introduction

PART I CLASSICAL-MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Chapter 2


  • Newton-Eulerian Axiomatic: The Notion Of State

Chapter 3


  • Alternative Axiomatic: Energy Conservation

Chapter 4


  • (IM)Possible (Momentum) Configurations

PART II QUANTIZATION AS SELECTION PROBLEM

Chapter 5


  • Why Quantum Mechanics?

Chapter 6


  • A Hierarchy of Selection Problems

Chapter 7


  • Non-Classical Energies

Chapter 8


  • Stationary Schrodinger Equation

Chapter 9


  • Non-Classical Solution Method

Chapter 10


  • Additional Results

PART III QUANTUM DYNAMICS

Chapter 11


  • Conservation and Change of Stationary States

Chapter 12


  • Equation Of Motion

Chapter 13


  • Conservation Laws

Chapter 14


  • Applications

PART IV SYMMETRY

Chapter 15


  • General Considerations

Chapter 16


  • Space-Time Symmetries

Chapter 17


  • Gauge Symmetry

Chapter 18


  • Permutation Symmetry

Chapter 19


  • ‘Aequat Causa Effectum

PART V FIELD QUANTIZATION AS SELECTION PROBLEM

Chapter 20


  • Introduction

Chapter 21


  • Coupled Classical Oscillators

Chapter 22


  • From Chains to Strings

Chapter 23


  • Quantization of the String

Chapter 24


  • Free Electromagnetic Field

PART VI PROSPECTS

Chapter 25


  • Summary And Conclusions

Chapter 26


  • Open Questions - Suggestions

Chapter 27


  • Points Of Extension or Generalization

References and Further Reading

Subject Index


Samples

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Author

  • Peter Enders