Optimization under constraints is an essential part of everyday life. Indeedwe routinely solve problems by striking a balance between contradictoryinterests ind... » 

Optimization under constraints is an essential part of everyday life. Indeedwe routinely solve problems by striking a balance between contradictoryinterests individual desires and material contingencies. This notion ofequilibrium was dear to thinkers of the enlightenment as illustrated byMontesquieus famous formulation In all magistracies the greatness of thepower must be compensated by the brevity of the duration. Astonishinglynatural laws are guided by a similar principle. Variational principles haveproven to be surprisingly fertile. For example Fermat used variational methodsto demonstrate that light follows the fastest route from one point to anotheran idea which came to be known as Fermats principle a cornerstone ofgeometrical optics. Variational Principles in Physics explains variationalprinciples and charts their use throughout modern physics. The heart of thebook is devoted to the analytical mechanics of Lagrange and Hamilton the basictools of any physicist. Prof. Basdevant also offers simple but rich firstimpressions of Einsteins General Relativity Feynmans Quantum Mechanics andmore revealing and amazing interconnections between various fields of physics.TOCForeword. Variational Principles. The Analytical Mechanics of Lagrange.The Canonical Formalism of Hamilton. The Lagrangian Theory of Fields.Movement in a Curved Space. Feynmans Path Integrals in Quantum Mechanics.Solutions to Exercises. Bibliography. Index. «