Special And General Relativity

Relativity, apart from quantum mechanics, is the greatest wonder in science, unfolded single-handedly in the 20th century by Albert Einstein. The scientist developed general relativity as a logical sequel to special relativity. This comprehensive book presents explication of the conceptual evolution and mathematical derivations of the theories of special and general relativity. The book follows an Einsteinian approach while explaining the concepts and the theories of relativity. Divided into 14 chapters, the revised edition of the book covers elementary concepts of Special relativity, as well as the advanced studies on General relativity. The recent theories like Kerr geometry, Sagnac effect, Vaidya geometry, Raychaudhuri equation and Gravitation physics vis-à-vis Quantum physics are presented in easy-to-understand language and simple style. In addition to it, the book gives an in-depth analysis on the applications of advanced theories like Vaidya-Krori-Barua solution from author’s own research works. Apart from that, the book also discusses some of the isotropic and anisotropic cosmological models, in detail. The salient topics discussed in the revised edition of the book are extrinsic curvature, detection of gravitational waves, early universe, evolution of a dead star into a white dwarf or a neutron star or a black hole, dark matter and dark energy. This book is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of Physics and Mathematics. KEY FEATURES • Step-by-step derivation of equations • Easy demagogic approach • Review questions to widen the analytical understanding of the students

Special Relativity, Electrodynamics, and General Relativity: From Newton to Einstein is intended to teach students of physics, astrophysics, astronomy, and cosmology how to think about special and general relativity in a fundamental but accessible way. Designed to render any reader a "master of relativity, all material on the subject is comprehensible and derivable from first principles. The book emphasizes problem solving, contains abundant problem sets, and is conveniently organized to meet the needs of both student and instructor. Fully revised and expanded second edition with improved figures Enlarged discussion of dynamics and the relativistic version of Newton’s second law Resolves the twin paradox from the principles of special and general relativity Includes new chapters which derive magnetism from relativity and electrostatics Derives Maxwell’s equations from Gauss’ law and the principles of special relativity Includes new chapters on differential geometry, space-time curvature, and the field equations of general relativity Introduces black holes and gravitational waves as illustrations of the principles of general relativity and relates them to the 2015 and 2017 observational discoveries of LIGO

Hermann Minkowski recast special relativity as essentially a new geometric structure for spacetime. This book looks at the ideas of both Einstein and Minkowski, and then introduces the theory of frames, surfaces and intrinsic geometry, developing the main implications of Einstein's general relativity theory.

Special relativity is the basis of many fields in modern physics: particle physics, quantum field theory, high-energy astrophysics, etc. This theory is presented here by adopting a four-dimensional point of view from the start. An outstanding feature of the book is that it doesn’t restrict itself to inertial frames but considers accelerated and rotating observers. It is thus possible to treat physical effects such as the Thomas precession or the Sagnac effect in a simple yet precise manner. In the final chapters, more advanced topics like tensorial fields in spacetime, exterior calculus and relativistic hydrodynamics are addressed. In the last, brief chapter the author gives a preview of gravity and shows where it becomes incompatible with Minkowsky spacetime. Well illustrated and enriched by many historical notes, this book also presents many applications of special relativity, ranging from particle physics (accelerators, particle collisions, quark-gluon plasma) to astrophysics (relativistic jets, active galactic nuclei), and including practical applications (Sagnac gyrometers, synchrotron radiation, GPS). In addition, the book provides some mathematical developments, such as the detailed analysis of the Lorentz group and its Lie algebra. The book is suitable for students in the third year of a physics degree or on a masters course, as well as researchers and any reader interested in relativity. Thanks to the geometric approach adopted, this book should also be beneficial for the study of general relativity. “A modern presentation of special relativity must put forward its essential structures, before illustrating them using concrete applications to specific dynamical problems. Such is the challenge (so successfully met!) of the beautiful book by Éric Gourgoulhon.” (excerpt from the Foreword by Thibault Damour)

This book is an introduction to the theories of Special and General Relativity. The target audience are physicists, engineers and applied scientists who are looking for an understandable introduction to the topic - without too much new mathematics. The fundamental equations of Einstein's theory of Special and General Relativity are derived using matrix calculus, without the help of tensors. This feature makes the book special and a valuable tool for scientists and engineers with no experience in the field of tensor calculus. In part I the foundations of Special Relativity are developed, part II describes the structure and principle of General Relativity. Part III explains the Schwarzschild solution of spherical body gravity and examines the "Black Hole" phenomenon. Any necessary mathematical tools are user friendly provided, either directly in the text or in the appendices.

This book provides an accessible, yet thorough, introduction to special and general relativity, crafted and class-tested over many years of teaching. Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this book provides clear descriptions of how to approach the mathematics and physics involved. It is also contains the latest exciting developments in the field, including dark energy, gravitational waves, and frame dragging. The table of contents has been carefully developed in consultation with a large number of instructors teaching courses worldwide, to ensure its wide applicability to modules on relativity and gravitation. Features: A clear, accessible writing style, presenting a sophisticated approach to the subject, that remains suitable for advanced undergraduate students and above Class-tested over many years To be accompanied by a partner volume on ‘Advanced Topics’ for students to further extend their learning

This text brings the challenge and excitement of modern relativity and cosmology at rigorous mathematical level within reach of advanced undergraduates and beginning graduates.

This excellent textbook offers a unique take on relativity theory, setting it in its historical context. Ideal for those interested in relativity and the history of physics, the book contains a complete account of special relativity that begins with the historical analysis of the reasons that led to a change in our view of space and time. Its aim is to foster a deep understanding of relativistic spacetime and its consequences for Dynamics.