Symmetry : a very short introduction

Bibliographic Information

Symmetry : a very short introduction

Ian Stewart

(Very short introductions, 353)

Oxford University Press, 2013

Available at  / 61 libraries

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Note

Bibliography: p. 136-137

Includes index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

In the 1800s mathematicians introduced a formal theory of symmetry: group theory. Now a branch of abstract algebra, this subject first arose in the theory of equations. Symmetry is an immensely important concept in mathematics and throughout the sciences, and its applications range across the entire subject. Symmetry governs the structure of crystals, innumerable types of pattern formation, how systems change their state as parameters vary; and fundamental physics is governed by symmetries in the laws of nature. It is highly visual, with applications that include animal markings, locomotion, evolutionary biology, elastic buckling, waves, the shape of the Earth, and the form of galaxies. In this Very Short Introduction, Ian Stewart demonstrates its deep implications, and shows how it plays a major role in the current search to unify relativity and quantum theory. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • 1. What is symmetry?
  • 2. Origins of symmetry
  • 3. Types of symmetry
  • 4. Structure of groups
  • 5. Groups and games
  • 6. Nature's patterns
  • 7. Nature's laws
  • 8. Atoms of symmetry
  • Further reading
  • References

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Details

  • NCID
    BB12673757
  • ISBN
    • 9780199651986
  • Country Code
    uk
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Oxford
  • Pages/Volumes
    xii, 144 p.
  • Size
    18 cm
  • Parent Bibliography ID
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