Physics from Symmetry (Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics) 2nd Edition by Jakob Schwichtenberg (PDF)

Description

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. Thanks to the input of readers from around the world, this second edition has been purged of typographical errors and also contains several revised sections with improved explanations.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐You need calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and group theory to follow the derivations in this book. Vectors and complex numbers would not go amiss. Not surprisingly, you should have a college physics course as well. Lagrangian mechanics wouldn’t hurt.If you have all this, you will find this approach to physics to be both interesting and beautiful.I would give it five stars, but I am not sufficiently educated to have complete confidence in this approach. The author has other books that are impressive and well-written, so I expect five stars is probably merited. I’m glad I bought it.

⭐The review by MSE Fanatic is right on target. If you carefully read Chapter 3 on Lie Algebra behind the Lorentz and Poincare groups should become clearer. If you want to have a mathematical insight into spinors and spin this is a great place to start your study. This will help you approach the rotations,boosts, and translations seen in quantum field theory and other fields of physics. I would like to make clear exactly what math you need to get the most out of this book. As an example you will need to a clear understanding of tensor calculus, the Kronecker, Permutation tensors to understand math relating the K generator (formula 3.145 to 3.147) . The conversion between tensor format and matrices can be very confusing unless you have a foundation in both tensor calculus and linear algebra. (See author side note number 129). In places the author does a beautiful job demonstrating the switch from vector(tensor) format to matrix format.( Please see sections 3.157-3.158.) He also does a nice job of demonstrating the Taylor series for the first member of the Lorentz group. This would be a good time to refresh your memory on the hyperbolic sinh and cosh fuctions and series. In other places you have to figure out the math for yourself. The author frequently leaves it to the reader to calculate out the commutators. As stated in previously noted review it would be very helpful to self learners who are new to this math or have forgotten this math to have more of them written out. Overall a wonderful book which gives you the algebra to appreciate many aspects of modern physics.

⭐Initially after surveying this book, all that registered with me was the complex mathematics. Even the first couple pages, which preview the whole book, seemed beyond my grasp. But as I pushed on it got easier and easier to comprehend. It lays out concepts in an exceptionally organized way. I didn’t believe is was a Physics primer till after I finished the first chapter. Now I truly feel that it is a primer. But it does take some Calculus and Linear algebra to understand the math.

⭐I admired the premise of this book in terms of using symmetry as a starting point to see how the various pillars of physics like quantum mechanics, classical mechanics and electromagnetism are manifested and the connections between the subjects. In short, it is a masterpiece and actually demonstrates the line of thinking that most of my graduate physics professors only hinted at or suggested might be there (and I don’t blame them, it’s a deep and difficult topic that few have ventured into let alone mastered). Jakob walks a very fine line in trying to keep the math as simple as possible but also sufficiently powerful to connect and explain the ideas. The math is deep, there is no avoiding it at this level of exploration, but it’s also very clearly annotated and described with the same clarity that other textbooks use to describe a simple pendulum. Keep in mind, this is not meant to be a quantum mechanics textbook or a reference for all of electromagnetism. The emphasis is on the origins of those areas, and the author does an amazing job. Bravo!

⭐Despite the very young age of the author, he is able to explain abstract concepts in a very easy to understand way. Intend to look at his other books as well. Recommend.

⭐This book makes learning about modern physics relatively easy. The writing style is engaging and clear. The book is rather short and focuses on the big picture while leaving many questions open. But this is actually a good thing because you first want to get an overview before diving into the details.I was somewhat disappointed that even in the second edition many typos (especially in the equations) remain uncorrected.Before reading this book, I recommend to first go through the author’s No-Nonsense books (which are more elementary and detailed) or the similar Theoretical-Minimum books by Susskind.

⭐If you are interested in books about the modern theory of quantum physics (e.g. quantum field theories) that are accessible for anyone with a STEM degree, this is the book for you! The premise of the book is that all of derivable physics is governed by the principal of symmetry. Why the physical world exist they way it does (e.g. fundamental constants, the occurrence of triples in theories and results) is not discussed because as of now it has no derivable theory. The author provides all the mathematics needed in a clean and digestible delivery. All that he assumes is basic familiarity with vector spaces, complex numbers, calculus, linear algebra but provides appendices to refresh the reader. After completing this book you will have a clear understanding for the current theory behind the physical world and how the mathematics of symmetry tells us this. The only critique I have is, it would be nice to see some examples working out the “mechanics” of the math . This book is just a pleasure to have read.

⭐Big size, super quality paper, print and binding. Liked the setup better than the no-nonsense books by the same author. Moreover, I learned so much from this book. Typically one of those books you wanted to have read 30 years ago.

⭐This is a very well written text that explains a difficult subject concisely and coherently.

⭐This is one of the best books I have bought in years. Not only would buy again but also would donate money to the author to keep it uo with his work. This second edition is a must have for any theoretical physics inclined student.

⭐The book is fine. I was disappointed I couldn’t view it on Kindle Cloud Reader or on my Kindle Paperwhite. I have to use my phone.

⭐One of the first textbooks where i truly wished it would just go on and on.Definitely helped my understanding, but it is only an introductory book that often scratches on the surface. Either way a good starting point and almost no prior-knowledge required.Afterwards or as alternatives i can recommend (imo) – Symmetry and the Standard model by Matthew Robinson (sligthly more demanding) – Quantom theory, groups and representations by Peter Woit (a lot more demanding)

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