Product Description
Richly illustrated, this introductory text develops the ideas of basic physics and mathematics to introduce the essential principles and results of special relativity. A geometric interpretation of space-time is used so that the general theory is seen as a natural extension of the special theory. Although most results are derived from first principles, complex mathematics is avoided, and all mathematical steps and formulas are fully explained and interpretated. S… More >>
Relativity: An Introduction to Spacetime Physics
Tags: first principles, geometric interpretation, interpretated, introductory text, mathematics, physics, space time, special relativity
#1 by Anonymous on June 28, 2010 - 9:10 am
If you are a ambitious highshool student or a physics freshman this is the best place to get started on special realtivity.
It is far less mathematically demanding then many books out there and clear on physical concepts.
(ch.1) Good review of classical ideas.
(ch.2) Need for special relativity, good explanations of
galaian and lorentz transformation, and uses of the latter.
(ch.3) Good introductions to spacetime geometry (the invariant
interval) and relativistic mechanics.
(ch.4) Good introduction to basis of general relativity and cosmmology.
One of the great things about the book is that it takes the common ‘popular’ accounts one step further by intoducing physics in precise languge and formulas. So that you can apply your knowldege to actully solve some problems and gain further understanding. There are problems at end of each chapter and they are (mostly) supplemented by answers in an appendix.
One thing that is left out completely is relativistic electrodynamics, of course that’s only sutibale for a more advanced book. I would’ve liked to see the power of four vectors utilized more and see the role of tensors.
Rating: 5 / 5