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Physics From Symmetry
This is a textbook that derives the fundamental theories of physics from symmetry.
It starts by introducing, in a completely self-contained way, all mathematical tools needed to use symmetry ideas in physics. Thereafter, these tools are put into action and by using symmetry constraints, the fundamental equations of Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, Electromagnetism, and Classical Mechanics are derived.
As a result, the reader is able to understand the basic assumptions behind, and the connections between the modern theories of physics. The book concludes with first applications of the previously derived equations.
It starts by introducing, in a completely self-contained way, all mathematical tools needed to use symmetry ideas in physics. Thereafter, these tools are put into action and by using symmetry constraints, the fundamental equations of Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, Electromagnetism, and Classical Mechanics are derived.
As a result, the reader is able to understand the basic assumptions behind, and the connections between the modern theories of physics. The book concludes with first applications of the previously derived equations.
279 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 17, 2018
Particle Physics is tough. Math heavy, confusing notations, equipped with a complicated and abstract framework called Quantum Field Theory.
QFT is known as being one of the hardest subjects to learn in physics, partly because of the standard literature (Peskin & Schroeder, Zee, etc) are rough, and require full understanding of graduate QM and electrodynamics.
The ideia of this book to approach (at least introduce) to the ideia of quantum fields is NOT being a QFT book. Parting from two simple postulates (The principle of relativity and the invariance of the speed of light): It constructs the ideia of a invariant, introducing the famous index gymnastics of relativity early, jumping to the main part: The ideia of symmetry, which is a construction from a mathematical scheme called Group Theory (Until here, the book only requires Linear Algebra as pre-req, and later on, that extends to calculus).
This start is already quite different from another books in the same category. This books proposes to be a "derivation guide"to the fundamental structure of physics, which, until now, is the Standard Model, describing three of the fundamental forces of the universe.
In the group theory chapter, introduces the concept of Lie Theory and Lie Algebras, which, in composition with the Lagrangian description of fields (explained in the following chapter), can be constructed the Standard Model. (AND Quantum Mechanics, Classical Relativity , Electrodynamics) This book does a very good job in putting the pieces together.
However, I must warn you: This IS a textbook, and the subject is still not easy. On the goal, of, quoting the author in the preface: "derive the fundamental theories of physics from symmetries", the author does careful calculations, detailed proofs and highlights all the important stuff. So, in the end, the book does what it proposes. However, I must ask:
What do we gain from this book ?
It has clear explanations, but is missing a important part of the physics learning process: Exercises. There is not much of a point on calculating and showing the Standard Model structure if the readers doesn't interact with it ! Proposed problems for each chapter would check if anyone reading is following through, furthermore adding new derivations and challenges. Even with the recommended texts on the end of each chapter ( with the author's comment, which is quite nice), I really missed a way, directly from the text, to try out these amazing math tech, on the level of the book.
Physics From Symmetry does it's job. But, as a solid way to understand principles of symmetry in physics, the lack of problems does a bad impact on the learning.
P.S: As my need to do problems was not met, my note-taking compulse took over and I ended up getting A LOT of pages, re-doing the book calculations :P
P.S.2: Sorry for my bad english and grammar in general (Not my first language), that's my first GoodReads review.
QFT is known as being one of the hardest subjects to learn in physics, partly because of the standard literature (Peskin & Schroeder, Zee, etc) are rough, and require full understanding of graduate QM and electrodynamics.
The ideia of this book to approach (at least introduce) to the ideia of quantum fields is NOT being a QFT book. Parting from two simple postulates (The principle of relativity and the invariance of the speed of light): It constructs the ideia of a invariant, introducing the famous index gymnastics of relativity early, jumping to the main part: The ideia of symmetry, which is a construction from a mathematical scheme called Group Theory (Until here, the book only requires Linear Algebra as pre-req, and later on, that extends to calculus).
This start is already quite different from another books in the same category. This books proposes to be a "derivation guide"to the fundamental structure of physics, which, until now, is the Standard Model, describing three of the fundamental forces of the universe.
In the group theory chapter, introduces the concept of Lie Theory and Lie Algebras, which, in composition with the Lagrangian description of fields (explained in the following chapter), can be constructed the Standard Model. (AND Quantum Mechanics, Classical Relativity , Electrodynamics) This book does a very good job in putting the pieces together.
However, I must warn you: This IS a textbook, and the subject is still not easy. On the goal, of, quoting the author in the preface: "derive the fundamental theories of physics from symmetries", the author does careful calculations, detailed proofs and highlights all the important stuff. So, in the end, the book does what it proposes. However, I must ask:
What do we gain from this book ?
It has clear explanations, but is missing a important part of the physics learning process: Exercises. There is not much of a point on calculating and showing the Standard Model structure if the readers doesn't interact with it ! Proposed problems for each chapter would check if anyone reading is following through, furthermore adding new derivations and challenges. Even with the recommended texts on the end of each chapter ( with the author's comment, which is quite nice), I really missed a way, directly from the text, to try out these amazing math tech, on the level of the book.
Physics From Symmetry does it's job. But, as a solid way to understand principles of symmetry in physics, the lack of problems does a bad impact on the learning.
P.S: As my need to do problems was not met, my note-taking compulse took over and I ended up getting A LOT of pages, re-doing the book calculations :P
P.S.2: Sorry for my bad english and grammar in general (Not my first language), that's my first GoodReads review.
July 11, 2019
So, this is a textbook on modern physics, probably _the_ textbook, the only one of its kind. It starts with two postulates of special relativity and derives nearly everything else, principles of quantum mechanics included. If “math is the part of physics where experiments are cheap”, as Vladimir Arnold used to say, then physics is the part of math validated by expensive experiments, but math nonetheless. Here you’ll get the comprehensive review of this part of math, leaving you with enough time and space to wonder _why_ physics works this way.
Unfortunately, you won’t learn anything from this book unless you’re deep into physics already. It integrates all the theory and makes it self-generating, but you need to know the history of experiments and questions raised from those experiments to make sense if it. This book is pure theory, an exercise in Cartesian rationalism. No dirty experiments allowed.
Still, one of the best things I have ever read.
Unfortunately, you won’t learn anything from this book unless you’re deep into physics already. It integrates all the theory and makes it self-generating, but you need to know the history of experiments and questions raised from those experiments to make sense if it. This book is pure theory, an exercise in Cartesian rationalism. No dirty experiments allowed.
Still, one of the best things I have ever read.
May 15, 2021
Most beautiful Physics Book i've ever read. This is how physics is supposed to be taught, through the symmetries and invariances of the nature. Pre requisites are just simple complex algebra and linear algebra and understanding of basic undergraduate level physics. Try not to skip any part. Each part of the book is connected and move forwards only after you understand everything behind.
May 23, 2021
This book really does start from scratch and makes a solid attempt to build up (some of) modern physics from the perspective of representation theory. Despite a few missing points of mathematical rigour (in this sense, "Symmetry and the Standard Model" by Mathew Robinson is preferrable) and clarification in terms of the motivation for specific principles (it can feel like shut up and calculate), it does fairly well! It more importantly has the potential to excite a beginner to further explore the field, which I feel is the core of this book. Must read for physics undergrads looking to major in HEP/anything QFT related.
October 8, 2020
Recommended if you like being confused.
Jakob Schwichtwnberg has written the most accessible - yet technical - textbooks for advanced undergraduate and introductory post graduate students. Mad diagrams too.
Jakob Schwichtwnberg has written the most accessible - yet technical - textbooks for advanced undergraduate and introductory post graduate students. Mad diagrams too.
October 1, 2021
Read this before you take a course in particle physics or QFT. "Symmetry and the Standard Model" by Matthew Robinson is a good companion to this book.
June 28, 2025
Readable introduction of modern physics from the mathematical formalisms of symmetry, generators, and operators. Well-done on the part of the author.
January 14, 2021
Great book! Develops theory then shows how to apply to the different fields of physics!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews