Physics Formulae

This volume is a reference source of fundamental formulae in physics and astrophysics. In contrast to most of the usual compendia it carefully explains the physical assumptions entering the formulae. All the important results of physical theories are covered: electrodynamics, hydrodynamics, general relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and so on. Over 2100 formulae are included, and the original papers for the formulae are cited together with papers on modern applications in a bibliography of over 1900 entries. For this new edition, a chapter on space, time, matter and cosmology has been included and the other chapters have been carefully revised.

This second edition contains corrections of misprints and errors found by the author, as well as those suggested during the Russian translation of the first printing. The Russian editors and translators who kindly supplied this material include V. E. CHERTOPRUD, A. G. DOROSHKEVICH, V. L. HOHLOVA, M. Yu. KHLOPOV, D. K. NADIOZHIN, L. M. ÜZERNOI, I. G. PERSIANTSEV, L. A. POKROVSKII, A. V. ZASOV, and Yu. K. ZEMTSOV. Supplemental references for the period 1974 to 1980 have also been added as appendix where they are included under the headings of general references and specific references for each chapter. Although specialized references come mainly from American journals, references to reviews and books are also included to help guide the reader to other sources. The author encourages suggestions for additions and corrections to possible future editions of this volume. KENNETH R. LANG Department of Physics, Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts January, 1980 Preface This book is meant to be a reference source for the fundamental formulae of astrophysics. Wherever possible, the original source of the material being pre­ sented is referenced, together with references to more recent modifications and applications. More accessible reprints and translations of the early papers are also referenced. In this way the reader is provided with the often ignored his­ torical context together with an orientation to the more recent literature.