Group Theory and Physics (Paperback)

by S. Sternberg (Author) "In this chapter we will introduce the basic mathematical concepts associated with symmetry: the notion of a group and the action of a group on..." (more)
Key Phrases: tabloid corresponding, cth row, skew hook, Proof Let, Taking the Fourier (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...the author...has made a valuable contribution to the breaking down of artifical barriers between mathematics and physics." J.E. Humphreys, Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society

"Philosophers must thank Professor Sternberg for having written this book. Sternberg gives us an entree to quantum mechanics through the medium of group theory, probably the best such book since Weyl's Group Theory and Quantum Mechanics of 1929....The book contains a wealth of self-contained examples of the applications of group theory, the mathematics of symmetry." Mark Steiner, Philosophia Mathematica

"...it is fitting that physicists be made aware of this book, and I am pleased to recommend its study." Eugene Golowich. American Journal of Physics

"...I can highly recommend this book to anyone teaching or studying the subject. It could serve as a text in a graduate course if supplemented with exercises and problems." Meinhard Mayer, Physics Today

"A suitable and desirable reference for theoretically (and mathematically) oriented advanced undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and researchers, as well as mathematicians interested in the application of group theory to physics. Recommended." Choice

"...the subject is well shaped and the exposition is fairly lucid. I consider Sternberg's book a fine adddition to the existing literature and strongly recommend it to anyone with an interest in learning how to use group theoretical methods to understand concrete physical problems." Ivailo M. Mladenov, SIAM Review

Product Description
This book is an introduction to group theory and its application to physics. The author considers the physical applications and develops mathematical theory in a presentation that is unusually cohesive and well-motivated. The book discusses many modern topics including molecular vibrations, homogeneous vector bundles, compact groups and Lie groups, and there is much discussion of the group SU(n) and its representations, which is of great significance in elementary particle physics. The author also considers applications to solid-state physics. This is an essential resource for senior undergraduates and researchers in physics and applied mathematics.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 444 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 29, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521558859
• ISBN-13: 978-0521558853
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #878,077 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction., September 17, 2001

By	"himog" (Albion, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This book is an excellent introduction to the use of group theory in physics, especially in crystallography, special relativity and particle physics. Perhaps most importantly, Sternberg includes a highly accessible introduction to representation theory near the beginning of the book. All together, this book is an excellent place to get started in learning to use groups and representations in physics.