Theoretical Physics 2

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This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to analytical mechanics, a fundamental aspect of undergraduate physics. It begins with a detailed exploration of Lagrangian mechanics, covering the d’Alembert principle, Hamilton’s principle, and conservation laws. The text then delves into Hamiltonian mechanics, featuring canonical and Legendre transformations, and extends to quantum mechanics via Poisson brackets and relevant variational principles. The Hamilton-Jacobi theory and its transition to wave mechanics are also thoroughly discussed. Designed for undergraduate students with a basic understanding of classical mechanics, the book includes learning aids such as boxed inserts and chapter summaries, with key mathematical derivations emphasized for clarity. Additionally, it is enriched with numerous worked examples and end-of-chapter problem sets. Part of the Theoretical Physics series, this volume is translated from successful German editions and covers the core curriculum of theoretical physics at the undergraduate level. Each volume stands alone, offering all necessary material for its specific topic, and includes numerous problems with detailed solutions to enhance comprehension. Wolfgang Nolting's refined didactical style has earned him the nickname “German Feynman” in reviews.