Introduction to Special Relativity

Robert Resnick (Author)

9780471717256, Wiley

Paperback / softback, published 7 February 1979

240 pages
23.3 x 15.3 x 1.5 cm, 0.363 kg

This book gives an excellent introduction to the theory of special relativity. Professor Resnick presents a fundamental and unified development of the subject with unusually clear discussions of the aspects that usually trouble beginners. He includes, for example, a section on the common sense of relativity. His presentation is lively and interspersed with historical, philosophical and special topics (such as the twin paradox) that will arouse and hold the reader's interest. You'll find many unique features that help you grasp the material, such as worked-out examples,summary tables,thought questions and a wealth of excellent problems. The emphasis throughout the book is physical. The experimental background, experimental confirmation of predictions, and the physical interpretation of principles are stressed. The book treats relativistic kinematics, relativistic dynamics, and relativity and electromagnetism and contains special appendices on the geometric representation of space-time and on general relativity. Its organization permits an instructor to vary the length and depth of his treatment and to use the book either with or following classical physics. These features make it an ideal companion for introductory courses.

Chapter I The Experimental Background of the Theory of Special Relativity 1

Chapter II Relativistic Kinematics 50

Chapter III Relativistic Dynamics 110

Chapter IV Relativity and Electromagnetism 157

Supplementary Topic A The Geometric Representation of Space-Time 188

Supplementary Topic B The Twin Paradox 201

Supplementary Topic C The Principle of Equivalence and General Relativity 210

Answers to Problems 220

Index 223

Subject Areas: Physics [PH]