Book about math techniques in physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for books that specifically illustrate the use of mathematical techniques in physics, emphasizing examples of real applications for each technique. Participants express a desire for resources that connect mathematical concepts directly to their physical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a book that details mathematical techniques in physics, with examples of their applications.
  • Another participant recommends "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by Boas as a suitable resource.
  • A different participant shares a link to a book by a professor associated with a Yale Physics course, suggesting it covers more than just differential calculus.
  • One participant expresses that while Boas has good explanations of math, it lacks specific applications of concepts in physics.
  • Another participant reiterates support for Boas, citing its effectiveness in a recent class.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a single book that meets all the criteria mentioned, as participants have differing opinions on the adequacy of the recommended resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the specific mathematical techniques or physics concepts they are interested in, which may affect the relevance of the recommendations.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of mathematics and physics, particularly those looking for resources that connect mathematical techniques to physical applications.

bentley4
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Hello everyone,

Does anybody know a good book with the sole purpose of showing the use of mathematical techniques in physics?(technique by technique and with examples of real applications)
e.g.: Identity matrices are commonly used in x type of problems in physics, etc.

Like most people my interest in something is dramatically heightened when I know why I can use something for, same thing with math in physics.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Boas- Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences.
 
Thnx. Any other ones?
 
This

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0306450364/?tag=pfamazon01-20

is by the prof who teaches the excellent Yale Physics 200 course available free on video. Don't let the crappy description on Amazon's page mislead you; it covers far more than differential calculus. Read the reviews.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thnx Brocks,

The explanation of the math seems really good in this book.
However, it does not tell you where the concepts are used for in physics.
What I am looking for is something more like a list:

Fourier series: to solve the heat equation, ...

Also the other way around:
In the field of classical electromagnetism the following math concepts/topics are extensively used: Vector calculus, complex numbers,...
 
I'm putting in a second vote for Boas. Just used it for a class this term and it was excellent!
 

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