ABSTRACT

To move from empirical-based physics to the theoretical abstractness required for advanced physics requires a paradigmatic shift in logic that can challenge even the brightest mind. Grasping the play of phenomena as they are described in introductory compendiums does not necessarily create a foundation that allows for the building of a bridge to the higher levels of theoretical physics.

In the first edition of Advanced University Physics, respected physicists Stuart Palmer and Mircea Rogalski built that bridge, and then guided readers across it. Serving as a supplement to the standard advanced physics syllabus, their work provided a succinct review of course material, while encouraging the development of a more cohesive understanding of theoretical physics. Now, after incorporating suggestions from many readers and colleagues, the two authors have revised and updated their original work to produce a second, even more poignant, edition.

Succinct, cohesive, and comprehensive, Advanced University Physics, Second Edition brings individuals schooled in the rudiments of physics to theoretical fluency.

In a progression of concise chapters, the text clarifies concepts from Newtonian Laws to nuclear dynamics, while introducing and building upon the theoretical logic required to operate in the world of contemporary physics. Some chapters have been combined to improve relational clarity, and new material has been added to cover the evolving concepts that have emerged over the last decade in this highly fluid field. The authors have also added a substantial amount of relevant problems and at least one pertinent example for every chapter. Those already steeped in physics will continue to find this work to be a useful reference, as the book's 47 chapters provide the opportunity to become refreshed and updated on a great number of easily identified topics.

chapter 1|10 pages

INTRODUCTION

chapter 2|29 pages

PRINCIPLES OF NEWTONIAN MECHANICS

chapter 3|25 pages

ANGULAR MOMENTUM

chapter 4|20 pages

PRINCIPLES OF SPECIAL RELATIVITY

chapter 5|20 pages

RELATIVISTIC LAWS OF MOTION

chapter 6|24 pages

CONTINUUM MECHANICS

chapter 7|20 pages

THE LAWS OF THERMODYNAMICS

chapter 8|19 pages

THERMODYNAMIC FUNCTIONS

chapter 9|19 pages

PERFECT AND REAL GASES

chapter 10|17 pages

PHASE TRANSITIONS

chapter 11|23 pages

ELECTROSTATICS

chapter 12|20 pages

MAGNETIC INDUCTION

chapter 13|18 pages

MAGNETIC FIELDS

chapter 14|15 pages

MAXWELL'S EQUATIONS

chapter 15|20 pages

WAVE EQUATIONS

chapter 16|26 pages

WAVE PROPAGATION

chapter 17|22 pages

WAVE ENERGY

chapter 18|18 pages

INTERFERENCE

chapter 19|21 pages

DIFFRACTION

chapter 20|24 pages

POLARIZATION

chapter 21|18 pages

REFLECTION AND REFRACTION

chapter 22|21 pages

WAVES IN ANISOTROPIC MEDIA

chapter 23|18 pages

ABSORPTION AND DISPERSION

chapter 24|22 pages

GENERALIZED MECHANICS

chapter 25|32 pages

PRINCIPLES OF STATISTICAL MECHANICS

chapter 26|22 pages

STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS

chapter 27|17 pages

THERMAL RADIATION

chapter 28|20 pages

WAVE MECHANICS

chapter 29|20 pages

POSTULATES OF QUANTUM MECHANICS

chapter 30|18 pages

THE SCHRÖDINGER PICTURE

chapter 31|17 pages

ORBITAL ANGULAR MOMENTUM

chapter 32|17 pages

ONE-ELECTRON ATOMS

chapter 33|20 pages

MATRIX MECHANICS OF ANGULAR MOMENTUM

chapter 34|19 pages

THE SPINNING ELECTRON

chapter 35|17 pages

SYSTEMS OF IDENTICAL PARTICLES

chapter 36|21 pages

MULTIELECTRON ATOMS

chapter 37|17 pages

ATOMIC RADIATION

chapter 38|23 pages

SYSTEMS OF ATOMS

chapter 39|20 pages

STRUCTURE OF SOLIDS

chapter 40|20 pages

FREE ELECTRONS IN SOLIDS

chapter 41|19 pages

ELECTRONIC ENERGY BANDS

chapter 42|21 pages

SEMICONDUCTOR PHYSICS

chapter 43|20 pages

SOLID STATE ELECTRONICS

chapter 44|23 pages

SOLID STATE MAGNETISM

chapter 45|17 pages

SUPERCONDUCTIVITY

chapter 46|21 pages

NUCLEAR STRUCTURE

chapter 47|18 pages

NUCLEAR DYNAMICS