Mechanics (Book)

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Mechanics by Landau and Lifshitz is the start of a profound transformation of the reader from basic calculus to all of mathematics and physics. The seeds of nearly all modern subjects of interest can be found here and in the following volumes starting with the principle of least action in a coordinate invariant manner. Coordinate invariance means there is no artificial distinction between linear and angular momenta, because they are simply the momenta measured along different (cartesian vs spherical) coordinates. Further, this sets the way for physical reasoning by focusing on the geometrical qualities of the trajectories of particles which is expanded upon in mathematics as variational calculus on manifolds and symplectic geometry respectively, to the beginning and end of the book. Fundamental formulae such as Newton's laws, Kepler's formulae of celestial mechanics, and the formulae for energy are derived simply from the principle of least action. Prerequisites are minimal, but strength of courage and to interpret physics simply are required.

Mechanics
Landau Course in Theoretical Physics V1 Cover.jpg
Information
Author Lev Landau
Language English
Publisher Butterworth Heinemann
Publication Date 1976
Pages 170

Applications

Ordinary Differential Equations

Ordinary differential equations by Vladimir Arnold.

Applications of Lie Groups to Differential Equations

Applications of Lie Groups to Differential Equations by Peter Olver.

Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics

Mathematical Methods of Classical Mechanics by Vladimir Arnold.

Dynamical Systems IV

Dynamical Systems IV by Vladimir Arnold.

Symplectic techniques in Physics

Symplectic techniques in Physics by Shlomo Sternberg.

Geometric Structure of Systems-Control Theory and Physics

Geometric Structure of Systems-Control Theory and Physics by Robert Hermann.