Mathematical Methods For Physics

This classic book helps students learn the basics in physics by bridging the gap between mathematics and the basic fundamental laws of physics. With supplemental material such as graphs and equations, Mathematical Methods for Physics creates a strong, solid anchor of learning. The text has three parts: Part I focuses on the use of special functions in solving the homogeneous partial differential equations of physics, and emphasizes applications to topics such as electrostatics, wave guides, and resonant cavities, vibrations of membranes, heat flow, potential flow in fluids, plane and spherical waves. Part II deals with the solution of inhomogeneous differential equations with particular emphasis on problems in electromagnetism, Green's functions for Poisson's equation, the wave equation and the diffusion equation, and the solution of integral equations by iteration, eigenfunction expansion and the Fredholm series. Finally, Part II explores complex variable techniques, including evalution of itegrals, dispersion relations, special functions in the complex plane, one-sided Fourier transforms, and Laplace transforms.

Editor’s Foreword , Preface , Homogeneous Boundary Value Problems and Special Functions , The Partial Differential Equations of Mathematical Physics , Separation of Variables and Ordinary Differential Equations , Spherical Harmonics and Applications , Bessel Functions and Applications , Normal Mode Eigenvalue Problems , Spherical Bessel Functions and Applications , Inhomogeneous Problems Green’S Functions and Integral Equations , Dielectric and Magnetic Media , Green’s Functions , Integral Equations , Complex Variable Techniques , Complex Variables; Basic Theory , Evaluation of Integrals , Dispersion Relations , Special Functions , Integral Transforms in the Complex Plane , Additional References