ABSTRACT

This book is an introduction to Lagrangian mechanics, starting with Newtonian physics and proceeding to topics such as relativistic Lagrangian fields and Lagrangians in General Relativity, electrodynamics, Gauge theory, and relativistic gravitation. The mathematical notation used is introduced and explained as the book progresses, so it can be understood by students at the undergraduate level in physics or applied mathmatics, yet it is rigorous enough to serve as an introduction to the mathematics and concepts required for courses in relativistic quantum field theory and general relativity.

chapter I|162 pages

Galilean relativity and Newtonian physics

chapter II|74 pages

Lagrangian interaction and symmetry

chapter III|96 pages

Poincare covariance and Einsteinian physics

chapter IV|166 pages

Electrodynamic and gravitational fields