Related papers: Topology in Physics - A Perspective
We define a notion of {\it positive part} of a lattice $\Lambda$ and we endow the set of such positive parts with a topology. We then study some properties of this topology, by comparing it with the one of $V^*/\RM_{> 0}$, where $V^*$ is…
These informal notes discuss a few basic notions and examples, with emphasis on constructions that may be relevant for analysis on metric spaces.
The chapter provides an introduction to the basic concepts of Algebraic Topology with an emphasis on motivation from applications in the physical sciences. It finishes with a brief review of computational work in algebraic topology,…
This is a survey article for the Encyclopedia of Mathematical Physics, 2nd Edition. Topological defects are described in the context of the 2-dimensional Ising model on the lattice, in 2-dimensional quantum field theory, in topological…
Econophysics is a new area developed recently by the cooperation between economists, mathematicians and physicists. It's not a tool to predict future prices of stocks and exchange rates. It applies idea, method and models in Statistical…
We delineate the role of rotation and spin in physics, discussing in order Newtonian classical physics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics and general relativity. In the latter case, we discuss the generalization…
This entry is aimed at describing cloud physics with an emphasis on fluid dynamics. As is inevitable for a review of an enormously complicated problem, it is highly selective and reflects of the authors' focus. The range of scales involved,…
Over the past two decades, substantial efforts have been made to understand the way in which physics enforces the ordinary topology and causal structure that we observe, from subnuclear to cosmological scales. We review the status of…
This paper focuses on a new approach to plane geometry and develops important concepts that can allow researchers to unite and observe plane geometry from a new, meaningful perspective.
We give an overview of differential cohomology from the point of view of algebraic topology. This includes a survey of several different definitions of differential cohomology groups, a discussion of differential characteristic classes, an…
This is the introductive paper to the volume "Symmetries in Physics: Philosophical Reflections", Cambridge University Press, 2003. We begin with a brief description of the historical roots and emergence of the concept of symmetry that is at…
Various aspects of modern statistical physics and meteorology can be tied together. The historical importance of the University of Wroclaw in the field of meteorology is first pointed out. Next, some basic difference about time and space…
Whoever has to learn or to teach thermodynamics is confronted with conceptual difficulties which are specific to this field of physics ([1],[2]). It seems that they can be eliminated by inserting relativity in the thermodynamic theory. The…
The gedanken-experiment of Einstein's lift is analyzed in order of determining whether the free-falling observer inside the lift can detect the eventual topological non-triviality of space-time
Recent links between Finsler Geometry and the geometry of spacetimes are briefly revisited, and prospective ideas and results are explained. Special attention is paid to geometric problems with a direct motivation in Relativity and other…
After a brief review of topological gravity, we present a superspace approach to this theory. This formulation allows us to recover in a natural manner various known results and to gain some insight into the precise relationship between…
We consider the problem of distance between two particles in the universe, where space is taken to be Liebnizian rather than Newtonian, this being the present day approach. We then argue that with latest inputs from physics, it is possible…
The curvature of the inertial or gravitational potentials defined as a Hodge-Helmholtz decomposition of acceleration into an irrotational and a solenoidal components, enable to federate certain domains of macroscopic physics. After two…
As part of a longitudinal study into identity development in upper-level physics students, we used a phenomenographic research method to examine students' perceptions of what it means to be a physicist. The results revealed four different…
We discuss the fundamental principles underlying the current physical theories and the prospects of further improving their knowledge through experiments in space.