An Illustrated Guide to Relativity
Cambridge University Press, 9/9/2010
EAN 9780521141000, ISBN10: 0521141001
Paperback, 268 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm
Language: English
Aimed at both physics students and non-science majors, this unique book explains Einstein's special theory of relativity pictorially, using diagrams rather than equations. The diagrams guide the reader, step-by-step, from the basics of relativity to advanced topics including the addition of velocities, Lorentz contraction, time dilation, the twin paradox, Doppler shift, and Einstein's famous equation E=mc². The distinctive figures throughout the book enable the reader to visualize the theory in a way that cannot be fully conveyed through equations alone. The illustrative explanations in this book maintain the logic and rigour necessary for physics students, yet are simple enough to be understood by non-scientists. The book also contains entertaining problems which challenge the reader's understanding of the materials covered.
Preface
Part I. Kinematics
1. Introduction
2. Basics
3. Galilean relativity
4. Einsteinian relativity
5. Causality
6. Consequences
7. Summary of Part I
Part II. Problems
8. Qualitative problems
9. Quantitative problems
Part III. Dynamics
10. The world's most famous equation
11. The problem
12. Newtonian dynamics
13. Relativistic dynamics
14. Summary of Part III
Afterword
References
Index.