Aimed at both physics students and non-science majors, this unique book explains Einstein's special theory of relativity pictorially, using diagrams rather than equations. The diagrams guide the reader, step-by-step, from the basics of relativity to advanced topics including the addition of velocities, Lorentz contraction, time dilation, the twin paradox, Doppler shift, and Einstein's famous equation E=mc (2). The distinctive figures throughout the book enable the reader to visualize the theory in a way that cannot be fully conveyed through equations alone. The illustrative explanations in this book maintain the logic and rigour necessary for physics students, yet are simple enough to be understood by non-scientists. The book also contains entertaining problems which challenge the reader's understanding of the materials covered.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
'... well written and entertaining ... For those who are non-mathematically minded, it is all you need to gain a good understanding of Einstein's special theory of relativity. For those who like a good equation, it's still a great companion.' CERN Courier (cerncourier.com) '... I have never seen such an original guide for newcomers in science ... It is clear that Professor Takeuchi is ... a skilled artist in his own way.' Contemporary Physics
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Für höhere Schule und Studium
Produkt-Hinweis
Illustrationen
Worked examples or Exercises; 137 Halftones, color
Maße
Höhe: 229 mm
Breite: 152 mm
Dicke: 15 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-0-521-14100-0 (9780521141000)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Tatsu Takeuchi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at Virginia Tech. This book grew from the 'Highlights of Contemporary Physics' course he taught for many years. Primarily aimed at non-physics majors, it has been highly popular among physics students as well.
Autor*in
Associate Professor of PhysicsVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Preface; Part I. Kinematics: 1. Introduction; 2. Basics; 3. Galilean relativity; 4. Einsteinian relativity; 5. Causality; 6. Consequences; 7. Summary of Part I; Part II. Problems: 8. Qualitative problems; 9. Quantitative problems; Part III. Dynamics: 10. The world's most famous equation; 11. The problem; 12. Newtonian dynamics; 13. Relativistic dynamics; 14. Summary of Part III; Afterword; References; Index.