Variational Principles in Physics - From Classical to Quantum Realm

SpringerBriefs in Physics are a series of slim high-quality publications encompassingthe entire spectrum of physics. Manuscripts for SpringerBriefs in Physics will beevaluated by Springer and by members of the Editorial Board. Proposals and othercommunication should be sent to your Publishing Editors at Springer.Featuring compact volumes of 50 to 125 pages (approximately 20,000–45,000words), Briefs are shorter than a conventional book but longer than a journal article.Thus, Briefs serve as timely, concise tools for students, researchers, and professionals.Typical texts for publication might include:•A snapshot review of the current state of a hot or emerging field•A concise introduction to core concepts that students must understand in order tomake independent contributions•An extended research report giving more details and discussion than is possiblein a conventional journal article•A manual describing underlying principles and best practices for an experimentaltechnique•An essay exploring new ideas within physics, related philosophical issues, orbroader topics such as science and societyBriefs allow authors to present their ideas and readers to absorb them with minimaltime investment. Briefs will be published as part of Springer’s eBook collection,with millions of users worldwide. In addition, they will be available, just like otherbooks, for individual print and electronic purchas This book is an English translation from a Hungarian book designed for graduate and postgraduate students about the use of variational principles in theoretical physics. Unlike many academic textbooks, it dashes across several lecture disciplines taught in physics courses. It emphasizes and demonstrates the use of the variational technique and philosophy behind the basic laws in mechanics, relativity theory, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. The book is meant for advanced students and young researchers in theoretical physics but, also, more experienced researchers can benefit from its reading.