Solved Problems and Systematic Introduction to Special Relativity

Michael Tsamparlis

ISBN 10: 303131705X / ISBN 13: 9783031317057

Published by Springer International Publishing AG, CH, 2024

In most undergraduate physics classes Special Relativity is taught from a simplistic point of view using Newtonian concepts rather than the relativistic way of thinking. This results in students often finding it difficult to understand properly the new approach/new ideas, and consequently to solve relativistic problems. Furthermore, a number of books treat the theory using advanced mathematics which is not necessary for the first approach to the theory. This book is intended to serve two roles: a. To treat a student in a systematic constructive way to the basic structure of the theory and b. To provide a large number of solved in-detail problems in the kinematics and dynamics of Special Relativity. Concerning the first aim the book introduces the basics of four-dimensional mathematics, i.e., Lorentz metric, relativistic tensors, and prepares, through working examples, the transition to General Relativity, which requires, besides the relativistic concepts, the use of Differential Geometry and tensor analysis. The presentation is concise and does not replace a book on Special Relativity. Concerning the second intention the large number of problems provides the necessary material which can be used in order to familiarize the student with the relativistic "world".  These problems can be used in the class by the teachers either as working examples or as problem sheets.It will be our pleasure if the book will be useful to both students and teachers. Seller Inventory # LU-9783031317057

Synopsis:

In most undergraduate physics classes Special Relativity is taught from a simplistic point of view using Newtonian concepts rather than the relativistic way of thinking. This results in students often finding it difficult to understand properly the new approach/new ideas, and consequently to solve relativistic problems. Furthermore, a number of books treat the theory using advanced mathematics which is not necessary for the first approach to the theory. This book is intended to serve two roles: a. To treat a student in a systematic constructive way to the basic structure of the theory and b. To provide a large number of solved in-detail problems in the kinematics and dynamics of Special Relativity. Concerning the first aim the book introduces the basics of four-dimensional mathematics, i.e., Lorentz metric, relativistic tensors, and prepares, through working examples, the transition to General Relativity, which requires, besides the relativistic concepts, the use of Differential Geometry and tensor analysis. The presentation is concise and does not replace a book on Special Relativity. Concerning the second intention the large number of problems provides the necessary material which can be used in order to familiarize the student with the relativistic “world”.  These problems can be used in the class by the teachers either as working examples or as problem sheets.

It will be our pleasure if the book will be useful to both students and teachers.

About the Author:

Prof. Tsamparlis received his PhD from Imperial College in London and has more than 35 years of teaching experience at the universities of Witwatersrand (South Africa) and Athens (Greece). His research is focused on General Relativity, Gravitation, Cosmology and Symmetries of Differential Equations.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Solved Problems and Systematic Introduction ...
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG, CH
Publication Date: 2024
Binding: Paperback
Condition: New
Edition: 2024 ed.