Concepts In Relativistic Dynamics

The mechanics of Newton and Galileo is based on the postulate of a universal time which plays the role of an evolution parameter as well as establishing dynamical correlations between interacting systems. The Michelson-Morley experiment, explained by Einstein in terms of Lorentz transformations, appeared to imply that the time is not absolute, but rather suffers from changes when a system is in motion. Einstein's thought experiment involving a moving system and a laboratory frame of observation, however, indicates that the action of the Lorentz transformation corresponds to an observed effect recorded in the laboratory on a clock that must be running in precise synchronization with that of the observed system. Therefore one concludes that there must be a universal time, as postulated by Newton, and the time that suffers Lorentz transformation becomes an observable dynamical variable. This book describes the effect this observation had on the development of the theory of Stueckelberg, Horwitz and Piron, and the corresponding conceptual basis for many phenomena which can be described in a relativistically covariant framework.

This book brings Einstein's general relativity into action in new ways at scales ranging from the tiny Planck scale to the scale of immense galactic clusters. It presents the case that Einstein's theory of gravity can describe the observed dynamics of galaxies without invoking the unknown OC dark matterOCO required in models based on Newtonian gravity. Drawing on the author's experience as a lecturer and on his own research, the book covers the essentials of Einstein's special and general relativity at a level accessible to undergraduate students. The early chapters provide a compact introduction to relativity for readers who have little or no background in the subject. Hermann Bondi's very transparent approach to special relativity is expanded to resolve the OC twin paradoxOCO using only elementary mathematics. In later chapters, general relativity is used to extend the concept of the Planck scale, to address the role of the cosmological term and to analyze the concept of OC time machinesOCO.

In this book, the interesting results of similar works carried out by both authors independently, is presented in a unique manner. This book is written as a token of exchange between the East and the West and it is hoped that it will lead to greater cooperation between the scientists.

Essential Dynamics & Relativity provides students with an introduction to the core aspects of dynamics and special relativity. The author reiterates important ideas and terms throughout and covers concepts that are often missing from other textbooks at this level. He also places each topic within the wider constructs of the theory, without jumping from topic to topic to illustrate a point. The first section of the book focuses on dynamics, discussing the basic aspects of single particle motion and analyzing the motion of multi-particle systems. The book also explains the dynamical behavior of both composite bodies (rigid bodies) and objects in non-inertial frames of reference (rotating reference frames). The second section concentrates on relativity. The author describes the ideas leading to the inception of special relativity. He also formulates fundamental aspects, such as time dilation, length contraction, Lorentz transformations, and the visual aids of Minkowski diagrams, necessary to develop more sophisticated ideas. He then develops the concepts within the context of relativistic mechanics. With many examples throughout and exercises at the end of each chapter, this text makes the often daunting and confusing ideas of dynamics and special relativity accessible to undergraduate students studying the subjects for the first time.

Written by a former Olympiad student, Wang Jinhui, and a Physics Olympiad national trainer, Bernard Ricardo, Competitive Physics delves into the art of solving challenging physics puzzles. This book not only expounds a multitude of physics topics from the basics but also illustrates how these theories can be applied to problems, often in an elegant fashion. With worked examples that depict various problem-solving sleights of hand and interesting exercises to enhance the mastery of such techniques, readers will hopefully be able to develop their own insights and be better prepared for physics competitions. Ultimately, problem-solving is a craft that requires much intuition. Yet this intuition, perhaps, can only be honed by trudging through an arduous but fulfilling journey of enigmas.This is the second part of a two-volume series and will mainly analyze thermodynamics, electromagnetism and special relativity. A brief overview of geometrical optics is also included.

A new edition of this introduction to modern physics, provides new material on the most recent experimental tests in relativity, and a fuller treatment of the space-time interval and the Kennedy-Thorndike experiment. It treats the quantum theory of specific heats, with material on synchrotron radiation, a modernized treatment of the electron microscope and a preview of quantum mechanics. Features include additional historical, philosophical and biographical material reflecting important published research of the past decade, along with a significant expansion - nearly double - in the number of problems, thought questions and worked-out examples.