Physics Handbook, The - Fundamentals And Key Equations

This compendium of physics covers the key equations and fundamental principles that are taught in graduate programs. It offers a succinct yet systematic treatment of all areas of physics, including mathematical physics, quantum mechanics, solid state physics, particle physics, statistical mechanics, and optics. In one complete, self-contained volume, author Charles P.n Poole, Jr. provides both review material for students preparing for Ph.D. qualifying examinations and a quick reference for physicists who need to brush up on basic topics or delve into areas outside their expertise. The author devotes two chapters to regularly needed information such as trigonometric and vector identities, infinite series, Fourier Transforms, and special functions. The remaining chapters incorporate less frequently looked-up concepts, including, e.g., Lagrangians, parity, dispersion relations, chaos, free energies, statistical mechanical ensembles, and elementary particle classification. A brand new chapter on entanglement and quantum computing written by Professor Horacio A. Farach has been added to this second edition. The book is an indispensable resource for graduate students and physicists in industry and academia.