Special Relativity
The Foundation of Macroscopic Physics

The book aims to illuminate the importance of special relativity in the examination of dynamics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism.

W. G. Dixon (Author)

9780521272414, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 November 1982

272 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.4 kg

The prediction of the special theory of relativity differ significantly from those of Newtonian physics only for bodies whose speeds are comparable with the speed of light. For this reason, special relativity is often considered as irrelevant to the macroscopic physics of ordinary material systems under terrestrial conditions. The aim of this book is to show that by uniting dynamics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism into a coherent whole, special relativity illuminated each of these subjects in a manner which cannot be obtained by studying them in isolation. The speed of the systems concerned is irrelevant. This deep and careful analysis of special relativity is suitable for second- and subsequent- year university students studying physics or applied mathematics. Its distinctive approach will also appeal to research workers in general relativity, in continuum thermodynamics and in the electrodynamics of continuous media.

Preface
1. The physics of space and time
2. Affine spaces in mathematics and physics
3. Foundations of dynamics
4. Relativistic simple fluids
5. Electrodynamics of polarisable fluids
Appendix: Vector and dyadic notation in three dimensions
Publications referred to in the text
Summary and index of symbols and conventions
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH]