Special relativity: an introduction with 500 problems and solutions

The theory of Special Relativity, although a century old, it is still a theory which has yet a long way to go. Special Relativity is the ground on which Particle Physics and General Relativity are based and constitutes an everyday laboratory practice. It is therefore important that the new physicist will understand it properly and deeply, while at the same time will be able to use it effectively as a working tool. The first part of this book develops the necessary mathematics with emphasis on tensor analysis and differential geometry on the flat Minkowski space, and contains useful material that can serve as a quickreference tool as well. It introduces the student into tensor analysis and the mathematical formalism required to manipulate Minkowski space-time. The reader will appreciate the geometric intuition incorporated into the standard algebraic index formalism and later on, the fact that the mathematics introduced is an adequate background for a smooth entrance into General Relativity, Astrophysics and Theoretical Physics. The second part of this book begins with the conceptual foundations of the theory and in the later chapters applies the mathematics of the first part to the study of a variety of important physical problems including electromagnetism. The approach is fully covariant with many worked out examples. It presents the relativistic collisions in a new geometric way and prepares the student for the next steps into Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity. This book develops the conceptual foundations of Special Relativity and couples the mathematics with the physical considerations and applications. There is an interplay between mathematical ideas and physical principles and arguments, each subject preserving its own individuality whereas at the same time creating a consolidated unit. Emphasis is given to the reasoning which elucidates the structure of the theory. Studying the contents of this book will make the reader appreciate Special Relativity both as a conceptual theoryof Space-Time Physics and as a working tool in the laboratory. Both aspects are required in order to enter successfully the more advanced areas of Quantum Mechanics, Particle Physics and General Relativity required at the later stages of the studies. Presents the relativistic collisions in a new geometric way and prepares the student for the next steps into Quantum Mechanics and GeneralRelativity Provides a full overview of the mathematics needed to understand special relativity Consolidated unit of math, physics and application examples 500 carefully selected and worked out problems with solutions available onlineUnderstand special relativity without much help from the instructor Much of the material is not contained in standard books on the subject. For example, four-acceleration is discussed in detail including rigid motion, synchronizationof clocks, gravitational time dilation etc. INDICE: Mathematical Part.- The Structure of the Theories of Physics.- Newtonian Physics.- The Foundation of Special Relativity.- The Physics of the Position Four-Vector.- Relativistic Kinematics.- Four-Acceleration.- Paradoxes.- Mass-Four-Momentum.- Relativistic Reactions.- Four-Force.- Irreducible Decompositions.- The Electromagnetic Field.- Relativistic Angular Momentum.- The Covariant Lorentz Transformation.- Geometrizing Relativistic Interactions.

• ISBN: 978-3-642-03836-5
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 600
• Fecha Publicación: 16/12/2009
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés