The Principle of Least Action: History and Physics

by Alberto Rojo, Anthony Bloch

The principle of least action originates in the idea that, if nature has a purpose, it should follow a minimum or critical path. This simple principle, and its variants and generalizations, applies to optics, mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics, and provides an essential guide to understanding the beauty of physics. This unique text provides an accessible introduction to the action principle across these various fields of physics, and examines its history and fundamental role in science. It includes - with varying levels of mathematical sophistication - explanations from historical sources, discussion of classic papers, and original worked examples. The result is a story that is understandable to those with a modest mathematical background, as well as to researchers and students in physics and the history of physics.

266 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2018

About the author

Alberto G. Rojo (Tucumán, 15 de febrero de 1960) es un músico, escritor, y físico argentino.

Reviews

[Mark Moon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good concept poorly executed. Some of the history was pretty interesting, but the physics was not very illuminating or entertaining. There were definitely a few interesting derivations covered in depth, but overall the book seemed very scattered.

[alxomnm]

D'Alembert's principle derivation.