Problems in Classical and Quantum Mechanics: Extracting the Underlying Concepts

This book is a collection of problems that are intended to aid students in graduate and undergraduate courses in Classical and Quantum Physics. It is also intended to be a study aid for students that are preparing for the PhD qualifying exam. Many of the included problems are of a type that could be on a qualifying exam. Others are meant to elucidate important concepts. Unlike other compilations of problems, the detailed solutions are often accompanied by discussions that reach beyond the specific problem.The solution of the problem is only the beginning of the learning process--it is by manipulation of the solution and changing of the parameters that a great deal of insight can be gleaned. The authors refer to this technique as "massaging the problem," and it is an approach that the authors feel increases the pedagogical value of any problem.