Special Relativity and Classical Field Theory: The Theoretical Minimum

by Leonard Susskind, Art Friedman

Overview

The third volume in the bestselling physics series cracks open Einstein's special relativity and field theory

Physicist Leonard Susskind and data engineer Art Friedman are back. This time, they introduce readers to Einstein's special relativity and Maxwell's classical field theory. Using their typical brand of real math, enlightening drawings, and humor, Susskind and Friedman walk us through the complexities of waves, forces, and particles by exploring special relativity and electromagnetism. It's a must-read for both devotees of the series and any armchair physicist who wants to improve their knowledge of physics' deepest truths.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781541674066
Publisher:	Basic Books
Publication date:	05/07/2019
Series:	The Theoretical Minimum
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	448
Sales rank:	166,365
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Leonard Susskind is the Felix Bloch Professor in Theoretical Physics at Stanford University. He is the author of Quantum Mechanics (with Art Friedman) and The Theoretical Minimum (with George Hrabovsky), among other books. He lives in Palo Alto, California.

Art Friedman is a data consultant and the author of Quantum Mechanics (with Leonard Susskind). A lifelong student of physics, he lives in Murphys, California.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Introduction xiii

Lecture 1 The Lorentz Transformation 1

Lecture 2 Velocities and 4-Vectors 63

Lecture 3 Relativistic Laws of Motion 79

Lecture 4 Classical Field Theory 115

Lecture 5 Particles and Fields 155

Interlude: Crazy Units 193

Lecture 6 The Lorentz Force Law 205

Lecture 7 Fundamental Principles and Gauge Invariance 255

Lecture 8 Maxwell's Equations 269

Lecture 9 Physical Consequences of Maxwell's Equations 303

Lecture 10 Maxwell From Lagrange 325

Lecture 11 Fields and Classical Mechanics 353

Appendix A Magnetic Monopoles: Lenny Fools Art 395

Appendix B Review Of 3-Vector Operators 411

Index 416

Editorial Reviews

08/28/2017
Susskind and Friedman follow their collaboration on Quantum Mechanics by probing the mathematical nitty-gritty of field theory and Einstein’s theory of special relativity in the third installment of the Theoretical Minimum series. The series is designed to complement Susskind’s videos on the Stanford University website, introducing students to “the theoretical minimum” needed to understand modern physics. Here, the authors begin with discussions of inertial reference frames and the concept of simultaneity. That leads to Lorentz transformations, which describe how time and length change at velocities approaching the speed of light, and the infamous “twin paradox”: the strange theoretical phenomenon in which an identical twin at rest ages faster than a sibling on a high-speed journey in space. The authors examine relativistic fields and how particles move in them before introducing tensors and diving headlong into magnetic and electric fields, field theory, and Maxwell’s equations. As with the authors’ previous books, enthusiastic discussion is seasoned with wry humor. The book requires knowledge of calculus, but the text is well paced. The latest book in the Theoretical Minimum series delivers exactly that, in clear and concise chapters. Illus. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"Susskind is meticulous in explaining each step of applying the equations to the physical phenomena he describes, and he excels in explaining why the math works the way it does.... If you're intrepid enough...you'll emerge with a much deeper appreciation for the true meaning of Einstein's relativity, Maxwell's equations and many other aspects of fundamental physics."—ScienceNews

"Thrilling...Susskind's approach is to subject the novice to a historical mathematical boot camp to make the path seem natural, and ultimately easier...At once witty and insightful."—Nature

"Susskind and Friedman follow their collaboration on Quantum Mechanics by probing the mathematical nitty-gritty of field theory and Einstein's theory of special relativity in the third installment of the Theoretical Minimum series...Enthusiastic discussion is seasoned with wry humor....Well paced.... Clear and concise." —Publishers Weekly

"Relativity and field theory are absolutely central to modern physics. Here they are explained masterfully, with insight and wit. This is physics the way it's really done, in all its glory, nothing swept under the rug." —Sean Carroll, author of The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself

"A true masterpiece that will stand the test of time. I only wish this book was around when I was learning classical physics. Special Relativity and Classical Field Theory was joyful to read, filled with insights and secrets that will prepare you for research."
--- Stephon Alexander—Stephon Alexander,, cosmologist at Brown University and author of The Jazz of Physics

From the Publisher