Cosmological Physics (Cambridge Astrophysics)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: First Edition., 12/28/1998
EAN 9780521422703, ISBN10: 0521422701
Paperback, 696 pages, 24.6 x 17.5 x 3.3 cm
Language: English
This textbook provides advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a complete introduction to modern cosmology. It successfully bridges the gap between undergraduate and advanced graduate texts by discussing topics of current research, starting from first principles. Throughout this authoritative volume, emphasis is given to the simplest, most intuitive explanation for key equations used by researchers. The first third of the book carefully develops the necessary background in general relativity and quantum fields. The rest of the book then provides self-contained accounts of all the key topics in contemporary cosmology, including inflation, topological defects, gravitational lensing, galaxy formation, large-scale structure and the distance scale. To aid understanding, the book is well illustrated with helpful figures and includes outline solutions to nearly 100 problems. All necessary astronomical jargon is clearly explained, ensuring the book is self-contained for any student with undergraduate physics.
Part I. Gravitation and Relativity
1. Essentials of general relativity
2. Astrophysical relativity
Part II. Classical Cosmology
3. The isotropic universe
4. Gravitational lensing
5. The age and distance scales
Part III. Basics of Quantum Fields
6. Quantum mechanics and relativity
7. Quantum field theory
8. The standard model and beyond
Part IV. The Early Universe
9. The hot big bang
10. Topological defects
11. Inflationary cosmology
Part V. Observational Cosmology
12. Matter in the universe
13. Galaxies and their evolution
14. Active galaxies
15. Dynamics of structure formation
16. Cosmological density fields
17. Galaxy formation
18. Cosmic background fluctuations
Hints for solutions to the problems
Bibliography and references
Useful numbers and formulae
Index.
'I know no other book that covers these wide-ranging topics with such authority.' Sir Martin Rees, FRS, University of Cambridge