"Presents the fundamental concepts of classical physics in a coherent and logical manner"--

The principles of classical physics, though superseded in specific fields by such theories as quantum mechanics and general relativity, are still of great importance in a broad range of applications. The book presents fundamental concepts of classical physics in a coherent and logical manner. It discusses important topics including the mechanics of a single particle, kinetic theory, oscillations and waves. Topics including the kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are discussed, which are normally not present in the books on classical physics. The fundamental concepts of energy, momentum, mass and entropy are explained with examples. Discussion on concepts of thermodynamics is presented along with the simplified explanation on Caratheodory's axioms. It covers chapters on wave motion and statistical physics, useful for the graduate students. Each concept is supported with real-life applications on several concepts including impulse and collision, Bernoulli's equation, and friction.

This introduction to classical mechanics and thermodynamics provides an accessible and clear treatment of the fundamentals. Starting with particle mechanics and an early introduction to special relativity this textbooks enables the reader to understand the basics in mechanics. The text is written from the experimental physics point of view, giving numerous real life examples and applications of classical mechanics in technology. This highly motivating presentation deepens the knowledge in a very accessible way. The second part of the text gives a concise introduction to rotational motion, an expansion to rigid bodies, fluids and gases. Finally, an extensive chapter on thermodynamics and a short introduction to nonlinear dynamics with some instructive examples intensify the knowledge of more advanced topics. Numerous problems with detailed solutions are perfect for self study.

Space–time transformations as a design tool for a new class of composite materials (metamaterials) have proved successful recently. The concept is based on the fact that metamaterials can mimic a transformed but empty space. Light rays follow trajectories according to Fermat’s principle in this transformed electromagnetic, acoustic, or elastic space instead of laboratory space. This allows one to manipulate wave behaviors with various exotic characteristics such as (but not limited to) invisibility cloaks. This book is a collection of works by leading international experts in the fields of electromagnetics, plasmonics, elastodynamics, and diffusion waves. The experimental and theoretical contributions will revolutionize ways to control the propagation of sound, light, and other waves in macroscopic and microscopic scales. The potential applications range from underwater camouflaging and electromagnetic invisibility to enhanced biosensors and protection from harmful physical waves (e.g., tsunamis and earthquakes). This is the first book that deals with transformation physics for all kinds of waves in one volume, covering the newest results from emerging topical subjects such as transformational plasmonics and thermodynamics.

Written by a former Olympiad student, Wang Jinhui, and a Physics Olympiad national trainer, Bernard Ricardo, Competitive Physics delves into the art of solving challenging physics puzzles. This book not only expounds a multitude of physics topics from the basics but also illustrates how these theories can be applied to problems, often in an elegant fashion. With worked examples that depict various problem-solving sleights of hand and interesting exercises to enhance the mastery of such techniques, readers will hopefully be able to develop their own insights and be better prepared for physics competitions. Ultimately, problem-solving is a craft that requires much intuition. Yet, this intuition can only be honed by mentally trudging through an arduous but fulfilling journey of enigmas.Mechanics and Waves is the first of a two-part series which will discuss general problem-solving methods, such as exploiting the symmetries of a system, to set a firm foundation for other topics.

Written by a former Olympiad student, Wang Jinhui, and a Physics Olympiad national trainer, Bernard Ricardo, Competitive Physics delves into the art of solving challenging physics puzzles. This book not only expounds a multitude of physics topics from the basics but also illustrates how these theories can be applied to problems, often in an elegant fashion. With worked examples that depict various problem-solving sleights of hand and interesting exercises to enhance the mastery of such techniques, readers will hopefully be able to develop their own insights and be better prepared for physics competitions. Ultimately, problem-solving is a craft that requires much intuition. Yet this intuition, perhaps, can only be honed by trudging through an arduous but fulfilling journey of enigmas.This is the second part of a two-volume series and will mainly analyze thermodynamics, electromagnetism and special relativity. A brief overview of geometrical optics is also included.

This book provides a comprehensive exposition of the theory of equilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics at a level suitable for well-prepared undergraduate students. The fundamental message of the book is that all results in equilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics follow from a single unprovable axiom — namely, the principle of equal a priori probabilities — combined with elementary probability theory, elementary classical mechanics, and elementary quantum mechanics.

This text presents the two complementary aspects of thermal physics as an integrated theory of the properties of matter. Conceptual understanding is promoted by thorough development of basic concepts. In contrast to many texts, statistical mechanics, including discussion of the required probability theory, is presented first. This provides a statistical foundation for the concept of entropy, which is central to thermal physics. A unique feature of the book is the development of entropy based on Boltzmann's 1877 definition; this avoids contradictions or ad hoc corrections found in other texts. Detailed fundamentals provide a natural grounding for advanced topics, such as black-body radiation and quantum gases. An extensive set of problems (solutions are available for lecturers through the OUP website), many including explicit computations, advance the core content by probing essential concepts. The text is designed for a two-semester undergraduate course but can be adapted for one-semester courses emphasizing either aspect of thermal physics. It is also suitable for graduate study.