Classical Measurements in Curved Space-Times

Ideal for readers with a mathematical background, this book explores the informative power of the theory of relativity.

Fernando de Felice (Author), Donato Bini (Author)

9780521889308, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 July 2010

328 pages, 14 b/w illus. 1 table 80 exercises
25.4 x 18.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.74 kg

'The book is written in a very pedagogical and transparent style and it helps the reader to understand physics behind the mathematical formalism of the theory. I recommend this book to researchers and graduate students of general relativity, astrophysics, cosmology and related areas. For students, the section Exercises containing one hundred problems forms also a very useful addition.' Zentralblatt MATH

The theory of relativity describes the laws of physics in a given space-time. However, a physical theory must provide observational predictions expressed in terms of measurements, which are the outcome of practical experiments and observations. Ideal for readers with a mathematical background and a basic knowledge of relativity, this book will help readers understand the physics behind the mathematical formalism of the theory of relativity. It explores the informative power of the theory of relativity, and highlights its uses in space physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Readers are given the tools to pick out from the mathematical formalism those quantities that have physical meaning and which can therefore be the result of a measurement. The book considers the complications that arise through the interpretation of a measurement, which is dependent on the observer who performs it. Specific examples of this are given to highlight the awkwardness of the problem.

1. Introduction
2. The theory of relativity: a mathematical overview
3. Space-time splitting
4. Special frames
5. The world function
6. Local measurements
7. Non-local measurements
8. Observers in physical relevant space-times
9. Measurements in physically relevant space-times
10. Measurements of spinning bodies.

Subject Areas: Mathematical physics [PHU], Relativity physics [PHR], Gravity [PHDV], Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Theoretical & mathematical astronomy [PGC]