Angular momentum : an illustrated guide to rotational symmetries for physical systems /

Thompson uses tables and graphs to bridge the gap between the purely analytic mathematical treatment of angular momentum and the numerical methods. His use of Mathematica and the numerical computer programs in C eliminate the need for extensive derivations and approximations. He is thus able to give the reader more access to functions and a greater range of physical examples than are presented in other books. (Other books on the subject at this level emphasize the quantum mechanical aspects of angular momentum and usually do not consider nonquantum mechanical angular momentum problems.) Each chapter builds a sound basis for understanding by developing the theoretical bases and physical intuitions that are then illustrated by unique examples and special applications. Discussions interspersed throughout the text challenge the inquiring student: "Symmetry and Humans," "Planetary Rings and Intrinsic Spin," "Visualizing Symmetry Properties," and "Parallel Processing." Thompson presents a coherent mathematical basis for angular momentum for all physical systems. A wonderful resource for undergraduate quantum mechanics teachers who want to broaden the depth of problems and examples in first-level courses. For graduate students and researchers. D. G. Montague; Willamette University