Simple applications of group theory which can be understood by a senior undergrad

Question

I am looking for references (books or web links) which have "simple" examples on the use of group theory in physics or science in general.

I have looked at many books on the subject unfortunately they usually require extensive technical coverage of the basics, i.e. the 1st 100 pages or something, to be able to start discussing applications.

I believe that there is an easy way to explain anything (it's just hard to find it).

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 30 '11 at 20:03

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My two favorites for group theory in physics are:

Lie Groups for Pedestrians for a general introduction to Lie groups, mostly in a particle physics context.
Levine's Quantum Chemistry, for an introduction to group theory in molecules.

answered Dec 30 '11 at 20:03

Dan

5,795

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 26 '12 at 04:07

I recommend " The Theory of Groups and Quantum Mechanics " by Hermann Weyl http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=jQbEcDDqGb8C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

Although the book is written in a old school way, I found it interesting!

score 1 · Answer 3 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:40

1

Posted the same thing on this question but since it's not mentioned, I'll recommend it here too:

Group Theory and Quantum Mechanics by Michael Tinkham

Just read the introduction, and you'll get a sense of what to expect. The mathematical development can be a bit tricky if you're not used to graduate level books but there are lots of physical explanations--before page 100.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:40

Community

1

answered Feb 14 '12 at 18:41

mmdanziger

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Simple applications of group theory which can be understood by a senior undergrad

3 Answers3