Geometry of Minkowski space-time

This book provides an original introduction to the geometry of Minkowski space-time. A hundred years after the space-time formulation of special relativityby Hermann Minkowski, it is shown that the kinematical consequences of special relativity are merely a manifestation of space-time geometry. The book is written with the intention of providing students (and teachers) of the first years of University courses with a tool which is easy to be applied and allows the solution of any problem of relativistic kinematics at the same time. The book treats in a rigorous way, but using a non-sophisticated mathematics, the Kinematics of Special Relativity. As an example, the famous 'Twin Paradox' is completely solved for all kinds of motions. The novelty of the presentation in this book consists in the extensive use of hyperbolic numbers, the simplest extension of complex numbers, for a complete formalization of the kinematics in the Minkowski space-time. Moreover, from this formalization the understanding ofgravity comes as a manifestation of curvature of space-time, suggesting new research fields.. Provides an original introduction to the geometry of Minkowski spacetime Gives concise guidance to solving problems of relativistic kinematics Contains problems of relativistic kinematics Solves the 'Twin Paradox' for all kinds ofmotion Extensive use of hyperbolic and complex numbers Complete formalizationof the kinematics in Minkowski space-time Shows that the kinematical consequences of special relativity are merely a manifestation of spacetime geometry Gives understanding of gravity as a manifestation of the curvature of spacetime INDICE: Introduction. Hyperbolic Numbers. Geometrical Representation of Hyperbolic Numbers. Trigonometry in the Hyperbolic (Minkowski) Plane. Equilateral Hyperbolas and Triangles in the Hyperbolic Plane. The Motions in Minkowski Space-Time (Twin Paradox). Some Final Considerations.

• ISBN: 978-3-642-17976-1
• Editorial: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
• Encuadernacion: Rústica
• Páginas: 114
• Fecha Publicación: 11/03/2011
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés