Least Action

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Full Title

Least Action is used with variational calculus to determine the least costly path to a given goal.

Context

Typically Least Action is a metric to determine the least energetic path of a particle or wave in physics.

The Principle

The principle of least action originates in the idea that, if nature has a purpose, it should follow a minimum or critical path. This simple principle, and its variants and generalizations, applies to optics, mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics, and provides an essential guide to understanding the beauty of physics.[1]

References

  1. Alberto Rojo and Anthony Bloch, The Principle of Least Action = History and Physics Cambridge UP (2018-04) ISBN: 9780521869027

Other Material