Lagrangian formalism

1. May 19, 2009

live4physics

Hi,

May anybody tell the pre-reqs (on calculus) for learn the lagrangian formalism used on quantum field theory ?

Thanks.

2. May 19, 2009

malawi_glenn

well integration and differentiation with several variables, functionals

3. May 19, 2009

Daverz

In addition, a knowledge of basic Newtonian mechanics is helpful.

However, you mention its use in QFT. If that's your goal, you'll need a lot more physics. In the introduction to his QFT book, Mark Srdnecki gives a set of equations, mostly from QM, that one should be familiar with as prerequisites. See page 8 of

http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~mark/ms-qft-DRAFT.pdf

Expressed in English, you should be comfortable with:

1. Differential scattering cross-section.
2. Creation and annihilation operators.
3. Angular momentum ladder operators.
4. Evolution of operators in the Heisenberg picture.
5. Obtaining the Hamiltonian from the Lagrangian.
6. Lorentz transformations.
7. Relativistic energy-momentum.
8. Electromagnetic vector potential.

Topics that are covered in good QM, E&M, and mechanics texts.

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