Introduction to the Relativity Principle / Edition 1

by G. Barton

Overview

Relativity, almost a hundred years old in its classic Einsteinian form, is one of the most fascinating threads running through science from Galileo's day to ours. This book, based on a short course at the University of Sussex, presents relativity as a natural outgrowth of dynamics: the concepts are introduced through careful physical reasoning and simple mathematics, and are then applied over a wide range, well meshed with current undergraduate syllabuses. Features
* An accessible introduction through pre-Einstein relativity
* Scrupulously assessed experimental evidence (mostly modern)
* Elementary mathematics, aimed at a working acquaintance with kinematics, energy and momentum conservation, and the propagation of plane waves
* The book includes many carefully chosen examples and student problems
Introduction to the Relativity Principle is suitable for undergraduates studying physics, also as a preliminary to more formal courses designed for mathematicians.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780471998969
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	08/25/1999
Pages:	250
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.69(h) x 0.53(d)

About the Author

G. Barton is the author of Introduction to the Relativity Principle, published by Wiley.

Table of Contents

Preliminaries.

The Relativity Principle, and its Applications in Newtonian Physics.

Einstein's Relativity Principle.

KINEMATICS.

Lorentz Transformations.

Invariant Intervals and Space-Time Diagrams.

Proper Time and Nonuniform Motion.

Four-Vectors.

Four-Acceleration.

MOMENTUM AND ENERGY.

Particle Dynamics: Momentum and Energy.

Natural Units, and the Prevalence of MeV.

Systems of Particles: Four-Momentum Conservation using Invariants.

WAVES.

Plane Waves.

Light Waves in Empty Space: Aberration and Doppler Effect.

Appendices.

Problems.

Index.