Research Catalog

Title

The wonderful world of relativity : a precise guide for the general reader / Andrew M. Steane.

Author

Steane, Andrew M.

Publication

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, c2011.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

viii, 240 p. : ill.; 23 cm.

Summary

This book provides a lively and visual introduction to Einstein's theory of relativity. It brings to life the excitement of this fascinating subject, for an audience including young people at school (post-16) and the general public with an interest in modern physics. It is different from existing books in that is uses many diagrams and simple equations (the reader is carefully guided through them), and richly rewards the reader with beautiful mathematical and physical insights. It begins by introducing spacetime, in the familiar context of low velocities. It then shows how Einstein's theory forces us to understand time in a new way. Paradoxes and puzzles are introduced and resolved, and the book culminates in a thorough unfolding of the relation between mass and energy. The book draws on the author's many years of experience in writing articles and reviews for a non-expert readership, and presenting physics to school pupils.

Subject

• Relativity (Physics) > Popular works

Note

• Includes index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

1. Introduction -- 2. A preview: the Laws of Motion -- 3. Something odd is happening all around us -- 4. Spacetime -- 5. Reference frames and coordinates -- 6. The basic principles of Relativity -- 7. Foundations re-explored. -- 8. Navigating in spacetime -- 9. Faster than light -- 10. Introduction to momentum and energy.

ISBN

9780199694617

LCCN

^^2011026848

OCLC

743431998

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library