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Quantum theory is one of the more abstract branches of theoretical
physics, yet it makes clear and concrete predictions which are
repeatedly verified experimentally. More recently, there has been
some confluence between the concepts of microphysics and those of
macrophysics. Currently fashionable ideas in cosmology are also
deeply linked to concepts from quantum theory, thus piquing greater
interest in this subject. This timely book takes stock of what
quantum theory has achieved and where it is leading to at present,
in a manner understandable to an educated layman. The book
describes concepts in a strictly scientific manner without trying
to make them sound overly philosophical or "hyping" them up. At the
same time, careful explanation of the concepts and details
(including the technical terminology) are given in a
nonmathematical language for the general reader. In particular,
emphasis is given to the specific aspects of quantum theory that
interface with gravity and cosmology, so as to keep the book
reasonably up to date and focused on a key underlying theme.
India has a strong and ancient tradition of astronomy, which
seamlessly merges with the current activities in Astronomy and
Astrophysics in the country. While the younger generation of
astronomers and students are reasonably familiar with the current
facilities and the astronomical research, they might not have an
equally good knowledge of the rich history of Indian astronomy.
This particular volume, brought out as a part of the Platinum
Jubilee Celebrations of Indian National Science Academy,
concentrates on selected aspects of historical development of
Indian astronomy in the form of six invited chapters. Two of the
chapters - by Balachandra Rao and M.S. Sriram - cover ancient
astronomy and the development of calculus in the ancient Kerela
text Yuktibhasa. The other four chapters by B.V. Sreekantan, Siraj
Hasan, Govind Swarup and Jayant Narlikar deal with the contemporary
history of Indian astronomy covering space astronomy, optical
astronomy, radio astronomy and developments in relativistic
astrophysics. These chapters, written by experts in the field,
provide an in-depth study of the subject and make this volume quite
unique.
This book addresses a fascinating set of questions in theoretical
physics which will both entertain and enlighten all students,
teachers and researchers and other physics aficionados. These range
from Newtonian mechanics to quantum field theory and cover several
puzzling issues that do not appear in standard textbooks. Some
topics cover conceptual conundrums, the solutions to which lead to
surprising insights; some correct popular misconceptions in the
textbook discussion of certain topics; others illustrate deep
connections between apparently unconnected domains of theoretical
physics; and a few provide remarkably simple derivations of results
which are not often appreciated. The connoisseur of theoretical
physics will enjoy a feast of pleasant surprises skilfully prepared
by an internationally acclaimed theoretical physicist. Each topic
is introduced with proper background discussion and special effort
is taken to make the discussion self-contained, clear and
comprehensible to anyone with an undergraduate education in
physics.
This lucid and captivating book takes the reader back to the early
history of all the sciences, starting from antiquity and ending
roughly at the time of Newton - covering the period which can
legitimately be called the "dawn" of the sciences. Each of the 24
chapters focuses on a particular and significant development in the
evolution of science, and is connected in a coherent way to the
others to yield a smooth, continuous narrative. The at-a-glance
diagrams showing the "When" and "Where" give a brief summary of
what was happening at the time, thereby providing the broader
context of the scientific events highlighted in that chapter.
Embellished with colourful photographs and illustrations, and
"boxed" highlights scattered throughout the text, this book is a
must-read for everyone interested in the history of science, and
how it shaped our world today.
This book describes, in clear terms, the Why, What and the How of
Quantum Field Theory. The raison d'etre of QFT is explained by
starting from the dynamics of a relativistic particle and
demonstrating how it leads to the notion of quantum fields.
Non-perturbative aspects and the Wilsonian interpretation of field
theory are emphasized right from the start. Several interesting
topics such as the Schwinger effect, Davies-Unruh effect, Casimir
effect and spontaneous symmetry breaking introduce the reader to
the elegance and breadth of applicability of field theoretical
concepts. Complementing the conceptual aspects, the book also
develops all the relevant mathematical techniques in detail,
leading e.g., to the computation of anomalous magnetic moment of
the electron and the two-loop renormalisation of the
self-interacting scalar field. It contains nearly a hundred
problems, of varying degrees of difficulty, making it suitable for
both self-study and classroom use.
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