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Physical (A)Causality
by Karl SvozilThis open access book addresses the physical phenomenon of events that seem to occur spontaneously and without any known cause. These are to be contrasted with events that happen in a (pre-)determined, predictable, lawful, and causal way. All our knowledge is based on self-reflexive theorizing, as well as on operational means of empirical perception. Some of the questions that arise are the following: are these limitations reflected by our models? Under what circumstances does chance kick in? Is chance in physics merely epistemic? In other words, do we simply not know enough, or use too crude levels of description for our predictions? Or are certain events "truly", that is, irreducibly, random? The book tries to answer some of these questions by introducing intrinsic, embedded observers and provable unknowns; that is, observables and procedures which are certified (relative to the assumptions) to be unknowable or undoable. A (somewhat iconoclastic) review of quantum mechanics is presented which is inspired by quantum logic. Postulated quantum (un-)knowables are reviewed. More exotic unknowns originate in the assumption of classical continua, and in finite automata and generalized urn models, which mimic complementarity and yet maintain value definiteness. Traditional conceptions of free will, miracles and dualistic interfaces are based on gaps in an otherwise deterministic universe.
Physical Components of Tensors (Applied and Computational Mechanics)
by Wolf Altman Antonio Marmo OliveiraIllustrating the important aspects of tensor calculus, and highlighting its most practical features, Physical Components of Tensors presents an authoritative and complete explanation of tensor calculus that is based on transformations of bases of vector spaces rather than on transformations of coordinates. Written with graduate students, professors, and researchers in the areas of elasticity and shell theories in mind, this text focuses on the physical and nonholonomic components of tensors and applies them to the theories. It establishes a theory of physical and anholonomic components of tensors and applies the theory of dimensional analysis to tensors and (anholonomic) connections. This theory shows the relationship and compatibility among several existing definitions of physical components of tensors when referred to nonorthogonal coordinates. The book assumes a basic knowledge of linear algebra and elementary calculus, but revisits these subjects and introduces the mathematical backgrounds for the theory in the first three chapters. In addition, all field equations are also given in physical components as well.Comprised of five chapters, this noteworthy text: Deals with the basic concepts of linear algebra, introducing the vector spaces and the further structures imposed on them by the notions of inner products, norms, and metrics Focuses on the main algebraic operations for vectors and tensors and also on the notions of duality, tensor products, and component representation of tensors Presents the classical tensor calculus that functions as the advanced prerequisite for the development of subsequent chapters Provides the theory of physical and anholonomic components of tensors by associating them to the spaces of linear transformations and of tensor products and advances two applications of this theory Physical Components of Tensors contains a comprehensive account of tensor calculus, and is an essential reference for graduate students or engineers concerned with solid and structural mechanics.
Physical Kinetics: Classical and Quantum Problems and Solutions
by Serguei N. BurmistrovThis book includes problems based on the material in the course of physical kinetics for the students of general and applied physics. It contains 60 problems with detailed solutions. The comments to the problems reflect the connection with the problems and methods of modern physical kinetics. A brief introduction gives the necessary information for solving and understanding the problems. The book is proposed for students and postgraduates studying the theoretical physics. The book is used as a supplement to the textbooks published on physical kinetics. The purpose of the book is to help students in training the practical skills and mastering the basic elements of physical kinetics. To understand the subject matter, it is sufficient to know the traditional courses of theoretical physics.
Physical Mathematics
by Kevin CahillUnique in its clarity, examples and range, Physical Mathematics explains as simply as possible the mathematics that graduate students and professional physicists need in their courses and research. The author illustrates the mathematics with numerous physical examples drawn from contemporary research. In addition to basic subjects such as linear algebra, Fourier analysis, complex variables, differential equations and Bessel functions, this textbook covers topics such as the singular-value decomposition, Lie algebras, the tensors and forms of general relativity, the central limit theorem and Kolmogorov test of statistics, the Monte Carlo methods of experimental and theoretical physics, the renormalization group of condensed-matter physics and the functional derivatives and Feynman path integrals of quantum field theory.
Physical Mathematics and Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
by James H. LightbourneThis volume consists of the proceedings of the conference on Physical Mathematics and Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations held at West Virginia University in Morgantown. It describes some work dealing with weak limits of solutions to nonlinear systems of partial differential equations.
Physical Oceanography: A Mathematical Introduction with MATLAB (Advances in Applied Mathematics)
by Reza Malek-MadaniAccessible to advanced undergraduate students, Physical Oceanography: A Mathematical Introduction with MATLAB demonstrates how to use the basic tenets of multivariate calculus to derive the governing equations of fluid dynamics in a rotating frame. It also explains how to use linear algebra and partial differential equations (PDEs) to solve basic i
Physical Perspectives on Computation, Computational Perspectives on Physics
by Michael E. Cuffaro Samuel C. FletcherAlthough computation and the science of physical systems would appear to be unrelated, there are a number of ways in which computational and physical concepts can be brought together in ways that illuminate both. <P><P>This volume examines fundamental questions which connect scholars from both disciplines: is the universe a computer? Can a universal computing machine simulate every physical process? What is the source of the computational power of quantum computers? Are computational approaches to solving physical problems and paradoxes always fruitful? Contributors from multiple perspectives reflecting the diversity of thought regarding these interconnections address many of the most important developments and debates within this exciting area of research. Both a reference to the state of the art and a valuable and accessible entry to interdisciplinary work, the volume will interest researchers and students working in physics, computer science, and philosophy of science and mathematics.<P> Fills the gap in the book-length treatments of the interrelations between computation and physics, especially within philosophy.<P> Provides a reference point for the state of the art in important topics and research questions in this area.<P> Brings together scholars from a wide range of perspectives and disciplines.
Physical Principles of Electro-Mechano-Biology: Multiphysics and Supramolecular Approaches (Studies in Mechanobiology, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials #25)
by Christian BrosseauThis book covers the recently developed understanding of Electro-Mechano-Biology (EMB) in which the focus is primarily on the couplings between the electric and mechanical fields. The emphasis lies on the analytical and computational aspects of EMB at the cellular level. The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, the author starts by defining and discussing the relevant basic aspects of the electrical and mechanical properties of cell membranes. He provides an overview of some of the ways analytical modelling of cell membrane electrodeformation (ED) and electroporation (EP) appears in a variety of contexts as well as a contemporary account of recent developments in computational approaches that can feature in the theory initiative, particularly in its attempt to describe the cohort of activities currently underway. Intended to serve as an introductory text and aiming to facilitate the understanding of the field to non-experts, this part does not dwell on the set of topics, such as cellular mechanosensing and mechanotransduction, irreversible EP, and atomistic molecular dynamics modelling of membrane EP. The second (and larger) part of the book is devoted to a presentation of the necessary analytical and computational tools to illustrate the ideas behind EMB and illuminate physical insights. Brief notes on the history of EMB and its many applications describing the variety of ideas and approaches are also included. In this part, the background of the first principles and practical calculation methods are discussed to highlight aspects that cannot be found in a single volume.
Physical-Layer Security, Quantum Key Distribution, and Post-Quantum Cryptography
by Ivan B. DjordjevicThis book introduces the reader to the most advanced topics of physical-layer security (PLS), cryptography, covert/stealth communications, and quantum key distribution (QKD), also known as the quantum cryptography, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC). So far, these topics have been considered as separate disciplines, even though they are targeting the same security problems we are facing today. The book integrates modern cryptography, physical-layer security, QKD, covert communication, PQC, and cyber security technologies. The book is intended for a very diverse group of readers in communications engineering, optical engineering, wireless communications, free-space optical communications, optical wireless communications, mathematics, physics, communication theory, information theory, photonics, as well as computer science.
Physician Integration & Alignment: IPA, PHO, ACOs, and Beyond
by Maria K. ToddToday, with physician and hospital reimbursement being cut and tied to quality incentives, physicians and health plans are revisiting the concept of integration. Payers are demanding that the industry do more with less without sacrificing quality of care. As a result, physicians again find themselves integrating and aligning with hospitals that hav
Physics Curiosities, Oddities, and Novelties
by John KimballAn Enlightening Way to Navigate through Mind-Boggling Physics ConceptsPhysics Curiosities, Oddities, and Novelties highlights unusual aspects of physics and gives a new twist to some fundamental concepts. The book covers both classical and modern physics in an engaging, straightforward style.The author presents perplexing questions that often lack
Physics Education (Challenges in Physics Education)
by Raimund Girwidz Hans Ernst FischerThis book offers a comprehensive overview of the theoretical background and practice of physics teaching and learning and assists in the integration of highly interesting topics into physics lessons. Researchers in the field, including experienced educators, discuss basic theories, the methods and some contents of physics teaching and learning, highlighting new and traditional perspectives on physics instruction. A major aim is to explain how physics can be taught and learned effectively and in a manner enjoyable for both the teacher and the student. Close attention is paid to aspects such as teacher competences and requirements, lesson structure, and the use of experiments in physics lessons. The roles of mathematical and physical modeling, multiple representations, instructional explanations, and digital media in physics teaching are all examined. Quantitative and qualitative research on science education in schools is discussed, as quality assessment of physics instruction. The book is of great value to researchers involved in the teaching and learning of physics, to those training physics teachers, and to pre-service and practising physics teachers.
Physics Education Today: Innovative Methodologies, Tools and Evaluation (Challenges in Physics Education)
by Claudio Fazio Paul LogmanThis book provides an in-depth exploration of the latest developments in physics education. It presents a comprehensive look into cutting-edge research and ideas used to improve physics education around the world. Topics covered include (but are not limited to) the use of problem-based learning, the design and evaluation of teaching materials, and the use of digital technologies. This book is essential for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on the latest educational innovations and to develop an understanding of effective teaching approaches. It is aimed at researchers, teachers, students, policymakers, and educational leaders in the field of physics education.
Physics Fixes All the Facts (The Frontiers Collection)
by Liam GrahamComplex systems seem to magically emerge from the interactions of their parts. A whirlpool emerges from water molecules. A living cell from organic molecules. You emerge from the cells of your body. Not since chaos has a concept from physics spread like wildfire to other disciplines. Emergence can be found from chemistry to economics; from psychology to ecology. At its heart is the alluring idea that there’s more to the world than physics, that there is a holistic component to nature, an edge of mystery. “Physics Fixes All the Facts” starts by taking you on a tour through a fascinating world of complexity, exploring phenomena from the inside of an atomic nucleus to bacterial behaviour to the ability of your thoughts to affect the world. These examples are used along with a thorough exploration of the philosophical literature to untangle the notoriously poorly defined concept of emergence. This reveals something surprising: the term emergence is redundant. In its weak form it is so weak that it applies to everything. In its strong form it is so restrictive that it is like the belief that there are pixies in your garden, impossible to exclude but not worth spending your time on. Emergence either applies to all systems or to none. Rather than telling us something about the nature of the world, it is an illusion, an artefact of our cognitive limitations. The past decade has seen a dozen or so monographs and collections about emergence, almost all resolutely supportive of the concept. This book aims to redress the balance. But it is more than just a campaign against the idea of emergence. Graham presents a framework called Austere Physicalism and argues that it is the only coherent way to view the world. He uses this framework to reinterpret so-called emergent phenomena and investigates its wider implications for science. In this radically materialist view, we are nothing but physical systems among others. “Physics Fixes All the Facts” ends by exploring what this means for our sense of free will and consciousness. The book will appeal to academics in fields which use the concepts of complexity or emergence. Scientists and philosophers alike will find unexpected and exciting ideas in these pages. But the target audience is much broader including students who want to add context to their studies and the intellectually curious with some scientific background.
Physics I For Dummies
by Steven HolznerAn easy-to-follow guide to introductory physics, from the Big Bang to relativity All science, technology, engineering, and math majors in college and university require some familiarity with physics. Other career paths, like medicine, are also only open to students who understand this fundamental science. But don’t worry if you find physics to be intimidating or confusing. You just need the right guide! In Physics I For Dummies, you’ll find a roadmap to physics success that walks you through every major topic in introductory physics, including motion, energy, waves, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, relativity, and more. You’ll learn the basic principles and math formulas of physics through clear and straightforward examples and instruction, and without unnecessary jargon or complicated theory. In this book, you’ll also find: Up-to-date examples and explanations appearing alongside the latest discoveries and research in physics, discussed at a level appropriate for beginning students All the info found in an intro physics course, arranged in an intuitive sequence that will give first-year students a head start in their high school or college physics class The latest teaching techniques to ensure that you remember and retain what you read and practice in the bookPhysics I For Dummies is proof that physics can fun, accessible, challenging, and rewarding, all at the same time! Whether you’re a high school or undergraduate student looking for a leg-up on basic physics concepts or you’re just interested in how our universe works, this book will help you understand the thermodynamic, electromagnetic, relativistic, and everything in between.
Physics I: 501 Practice Problems For Dummies (+ Free Online Practice)
by The Experts at DummiesOvercome your study inertia and polish your knowledge of physics Physics I: 501 Practice Problems For Dummies gives you 501 opportunities to practice solving problems from all the major topics covered you Physics I class—in the book and online! Get extra help with tricky subjects, solidify what you’ve already learned, and get in-depth walk-throughs for every problem with this useful book. These practice problems and detailed answer explanations will help you succeed in this tough-but-required class, no matter what your skill level. Thanks to Dummies, you have a resource to help you put key concepts into practice. Work through practice problems on all Physics I topics covered in school classes Step through detailed solutions to build your understanding Access practice questions online to study anywhere, any time Improve your grade and up your study game with practice, practice, practiceThe material presented in Physics I: 501 Practice Problems For Dummies is an excellent resource for students, as well as parents and tutors looking to help supplement Physics I instruction. Physics I: 501 Practice Problems For Dummies (9781119883715) was previously published as Physics I Practice Problems For Dummies (9781118853153). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product.
Physics and Finance (Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics)
by Volker ZiemannThis book introduces physics students to concepts and methods of finance. Despite being perceived as quite distant from physics, finance shares a number of common methods and ideas, usually related to noise and uncertainties. Juxtaposing the key methods to applications in both physics and finance articulates both differences and common features, this gives students a deeper understanding of the underlying ideas. Moreover, they acquire a number of useful mathematical and computational tools, such as stochastic differential equations, path integrals, Monte-Carlo methods, and basic cryptology. Each chapter ends with a set of carefully designed exercises enabling readers to test their comprehension.
Physics and Mathematics Behind Wave Dynamics (Synthesis Lectures on Wave Phenomena in the Physical Sciences)
by Sanichiro YoshidaMost physical phenomena exhibit spatiotemporal features interpreted as wave dynamics. Various diagnostic technologies use some waves such as light, sound, and microwaves. A proper understanding of wave dynamics is essential to interpret these physical phenomena and apply the technology efficiently. However, the physics underlying the wave-like behavior of real-world systems is not necessarily straightforward. Often the mathematical description of these physics is hard to understand. Consequently, the interpretation of diagnostic signals is not simple, which sometimes leads to an incorrect diagnosis. This book aims to solve these problems by describing the related topics on a sound physical basis and explaining them intuitively for easy digestion. Presents real-world examples of oscillatory and wave systems to help the reader understand wave dynamics while explaining numerical methods. Explains the physics and mathematics underlying wave dynamics in intuitive fashions.
Physics and Mathematics in Musical Composition: A Comparative Study
by Stefan C. Müller Kinko TsujiHow is music born? Is music made by humans or does it already exist and wait to be found? How do composers create (or find) music? Having these questions in mind the authors ask more questions: How can we share our feelings with other people when listening to music? Can these be visualized? Why did Helmholtz have a problem with the third? Why is precise tuning so important in European music and less so in other cultures? What are the differences among the continents? What makes dissonant tone intervals uncomfortable in many cases? What enables us to distinguish the music of Mozart from that of Beethoven? Why are we fascinated by birdsong? Why does some music survive, whereas other just disappears? And finally, along which lines will music develop in the future? Drawing upon physics and mathematics, the authors search for answers to these questions and attempt to unravel in some depth the enigmas of how our minds are affected by the perception of music.
Physics and Mathematics of Quantum Many-Body Systems (Graduate Texts in Physics)
by Hal TasakiThis book is a self-contained advanced textbook on the mathematical-physical aspects of quantum many-body systems, which begins with a pedagogical presentation of the necessary background information before moving on to subjects of active research, including topological phases of matter. The book explores in detail selected topics in quantum spin systems and lattice electron systems, namely, long-range order and spontaneous symmetry breaking in the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model in two or higher dimensions (Part I), Haldane phenomena in antiferromagnetic quantum spin chains and related topics in topological phases of quantum matter (Part II), and the origin of magnetism in various versions of the Hubbard model (Part III). Each of these topics represents certain nontrivial phenomena or features that are invariably encountered in a variety of quantum many-body systems, including quantum field theory, condensed matter systems, cold atoms, and artificial quantum systems designed for future quantum computers. The book’s main focus is on universal properties of quantum many-body systems. The book includes roughly 50 problems with detailed solutions. The reader only requires elementary linear algebra and calculus to comprehend the material and work through the problems. Given its scope and format, the book is suitable both for self-study and as a textbook for graduate or advanced undergraduate classes.
Physics and Modern Life: A Panoramic Overview of the Fundamental Science and Its Human Impact
by Michael AndersonThis book introduces physics concepts and principles at a conversant but non-technical level. It also explores technology, with particular focus on two overarching themes that largely define modern life: our intensified use of energy and digital information. These themes take up several entire chapters (“Human Use of Chemical Fuel,” “Computers,” and “Light and Telecommunications”) and substantial parts of several others (e.g., sections on satellites and GPS, telegraph and telephone networks, generators and transformers, nuclear power, and solid-state technologies). The themes of energy and information highlight the pertinence of physics and facilitate a big-picture understanding of how life today differs from that of two hundred or two thousand years ago. The book grew out of lecture notes for a one-semester college physics course for non-science majors, so it could be useful to instructors and students of similar courses. The abundance of material offers some freedom in the design of such a course. However, the author hopes that the combination of conceptual depth and informal tone will appeal to a more diverse audience united by a genuine curiosity regarding science and technology. That audience might include pursuers of continuing education as well as physics majors looking for a lighter conceptual supplement to give context to their more technical coursework.
Physics and Music: Essential Connections and Illuminating Excursions
by Stefan C. Müller Kinko TsujiThis book explores the fascinating and intimate relationship between music and physics. Over millennia, the playing of, and listening to music have stimulated creativity and curiosity in people all around the globe. Beginning with the basics, the authors first address the tonal systems of European-type music, comparing them with those of other, distant cultures. They analyze the physical principles of common musical instruments with emphasis on sound creation and particularly charisma. Modern research on the psychology of musical perception – the field known as psychoacoustics – is also described. The sound of orchestras in concert halls is discussed, and its psychoacoustic effects are explained. Finally, the authors touch upon the role of music for our mind and society. Throughout the book, interesting stories and anecdotes give insights into the musical activities of physicists and their interaction with composers and musicians.
Physics for Game Developers: Science, math, and code for realistic effects
by David M Bourg Bryan BywalecIf you want to enrich your game’s experience with physics-based realism, the expanded edition of this classic book details physics principles applicable to game development. You’ll learn about collisions, explosions, sound, projectiles, and other effects used in games on Wii, PlayStation, Xbox, smartphones, and tablets. You’ll also get a handle on how to take advantage of various sensors such as accelerometers and optical tracking devices.Authors David Bourg and Bryan Bywalec show you how to develop your own solutions to a variety of problems by providing technical background, formulas, and a few code examples. This updated book is indispensable whether you work alone or as part of a team.Refresh your knowledge of classical mechanics, including kinematics, force, kinetics, and collision responseExplore rigid body dynamics, using real-time 2D and 3D simulations to handle rotation and inertiaApply concepts to real-world problems: model the behavior of boats, airplanes, cars, and sports ballsEnhance your games with digital physics, using accelerometers, touch screens, GPS, optical tracking devices, and 3D displaysCapture 3D sound effects with the OpenAL audio API
Physics of Biological Oscillators: New Insights into Non-Equilibrium and Non-Autonomous Systems (Understanding Complex Systems)
by Aneta Stefanovska Peter V. E. McClintockThis book, based on a selection of invited presentations from a topical workshop, focusses on time-variable oscillations and their interactions. The problem is challenging, because the origin of the time variability is usually unknown. In mathematical terms, the oscillations are non-autonomous, reflecting the physics of open systems where the function of each oscillator is affected by its environment. Time-frequency analysis being essential, recent advances in this area, including wavelet phase coherence analysis and nonlinear mode decomposition, are discussed. Some applications to biology and physiology are described.Although the most important manifestation of time-variable oscillations is arguably in biology, they also crop up in, e.g. astrophysics, or for electrons on superfluid helium. The book brings together the research of the best international experts in seemingly very different disciplinary areas.
Physics of Complex Systems: Discovery in the Age of Gödel
by Dragutin T. Mihailović Darko Kapor Siniša Crvenković Anja MihailovićThis book analyses the physics of complex systems to elaborate the problems encountered in teaching and research. Inspired by the of Kurt Gödel (including his incompleteness theorems) it considers the concept of time, the idea of models and the concept of complexity before trying to assess the state of physics in general. Using both general and practical examples, the idea of information is discussed, emphasizing its physical interpretation, debates ideas in depth using examples and evidence to provide detailed considerations on the topics. Based on the authors’ own research on these topics, this book puts forward the idea that the application of information measures can provide new results in the study of complex systems. Helpful for those already familiar with the concepts who wish to deepen their critical understanding, Physics of Complex Systems will be extremely valuable both for people that are already involved in complex systems and also readers beginning their journey into the subject. This work will encourage readers to follow and continue these ideas, enabling them to investigate the various topics further.