Relativity physics Books

Book SynopsisSuitable for those interested in popular science, this title focuses on the popular reception of relativity in Britain and demonstrates how abstract science came to be entangled with class politics, media technology, changing sex relations, crime, cricket, and cinematography in the British imagination during the 1920s.Trade Review"Loving Faster than Light is a very well-written, insightful examination of one of the essential problems of the history of science - how does elite, esoteric knowledge get read, used, modified, and owned by those outside the professional scientific community? Katy Price focuses on one of the defining scientific ideas of the twentieth century - relativity - and skillfully demonstrates the many genres and styles through which it was adopted and changed. An excellent book that brings together a number of disciplinary approaches." (Matthew Stanley, New York University)"

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn entertaining introduction to Einstein's theories of relativity, Bennett's book proves anyone can grasp the basics of Einstein's ideas. His intuitive, nonmathematical approach gives a wide audience its first real taste of how relativity works and why it is so important to science and the way we view ourselves as human beings.Trade ReviewWhat Is Relativity? is a well-written and uniquely readable book that beautifully serves as an introduction to special and general relativity. Jeffrey Bennett carefully avoids bombastic statements and 'spectacularization' of the subject, sticking with well-established facts and presenting them in a clear and compelling manner. -- Alberto Nicolis, Columbia University Since it first appeared more than a decade ago, I have used Cosmic Perspectives by Jeffrey Bennett and his colleagues in no small part because of the excellence of its chapters on relativity. It is wonderful to now have a stand-alone volume in which his lucid, explanatory text and figures are coupled with a thoughtful commentary on why relativity is important in constructing our scientific and personal views of space and time. -- David J. Helfand, President, American Astronomical Society, and President and Vice Chancellor, Quest University Canada I have read lots of introductions to relativity, but none is as clear and compelling as this one. For anyone who is keen to grasp the fundamentally simple yet non-intuitive ideas of both special and general relativity, Jeffrey Bennett's book is the way to go. Impressively understandable and interesting. -- Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer, SETI Institute ...Bennett's fun book shows readers what relativity means, and what it reveals about our universe. Publishers Weekly For in its relatively few pages, Bennett explains relativity to ordinary readers... An impressively accessible distillation of epoch-making science. Booklist (starred review) A sober, comprehensible account of what every intelligent layman should know about space and time. Kirkus Reviews ... [P]erhaps the best homage that anyone can pay to [Einstein] for such a groundbreaking contribution to physics in particular and science in general. BrainDrain Bennett... has written an entertaining, brilliant introduction to Einstein's ideas... that is impressively understandable. CHOICETable of ContentsPreface Introduction/Foreword: Einstein's Life Part 1: Getting Started 1. Voyage to a Black Hole Part 2: Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity 2. Racing Light 3. Redefining Space and Time 4. A New Common Sense Part 3: Einstein's General Theory of Relativity 5. Newton's Absurdity 6. Redefining Gravity Part 4: Implications of Relativity 7. Black Holes 8. The Expanding Universe Epilogue: Your Indelible Mark on the Universe Acknowledgments Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn entertaining introduction to Einstein's theories of relativity, Bennett's book proves anyone can grasp the basics of Einstein's ideas. His intuitive, nonmathematical approach gives a wide audience its first real taste of how relativity works and why it is so important to science and the way we view ourselves as human beings.Trade ReviewWhat Is Relativity? is a well-written and uniquely readable book that beautifully serves as an introduction to special and general relativity. Jeffrey Bennett carefully avoids bombastic statements and 'spectacularization' of the subject, sticking with well-established facts and presenting them in a clear and compelling manner. -- Alberto Nicolis, Columbia University Since it first appeared more than a decade ago, I have used Cosmic Perspectives by Jeffrey Bennett and his colleagues in no small part because of the excellence of its chapters on relativity. It is wonderful to now have a stand-alone volume in which his lucid, explanatory text and figures are coupled with a thoughtful commentary on why relativity is important in constructing our scientific and personal views of space and time. -- David J. Helfand, President, American Astronomical Society, and President and Vice Chancellor, Quest University Canada I have read lots of introductions to relativity, but none is as clear and compelling as this one. For anyone who is keen to grasp the fundamentally simple yet non-intuitive ideas of both special and general relativity, Jeffrey Bennett's book is the way to go. Impressively understandable and interesting. -- Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer, SETI Institute ...Bennett's fun book shows readers what relativity means, and what it reveals about our universe. Publishers Weekly For in its relatively few pages, Bennett explains relativity to ordinary readers... An impressively accessible distillation of epoch-making science. Booklist (starred review) A sober, comprehensible account of what every intelligent layman should know about space and time. Kirkus Reviews ... [P]erhaps the best homage that anyone can pay to [Einstein] for such a groundbreaking contribution to physics in particular and science in general. BrainDrain Bennett... has written an entertaining, brilliant introduction to Einstein's ideas... that is impressively understandable. CHOICETable of ContentsPreface Introduction/Foreword: Einstein's Life Part 1: Getting Started 1. Voyage to a Black Hole Part 2: Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity 2. Racing Light 3. Redefining Space and Time 4. A New Common Sense Part 3: Einstein's General Theory of Relativity 5. Newton's Absurdity 6. Redefining Gravity Part 4: Implications of Relativity 7. Black Holes 8. The Expanding Universe Epilogue: Your Indelible Mark on the Universe Acknowledgments Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe astonishing science of black holes, and their role in understanding the history and future of our universe.Trade Review"Black holes were originally flights of theoretical fancy, difficult for even professional physicists to wrap their brains around. In Einstein's Monsters, Chris Impey shows how modern astronomy has brought them into vivid focus, and conveys how much more we're learning about these extreme beasts with every passing year." -- Sean Carroll"In Einstein's Monsters, Impey provides a history of black holes and an overview of investigations into their supremely counter-intuitive behaviour...[he] addresses the seeming absurdities of [the] subject with authority and wit." -- Nature"Impey skilfully weaves a fascinating tale out of the work and ideas of the scientists who... pieced together the history of black holes by understanding the evolution of stars and how they can, depending on their mass, end up as white dwarfs, ultra-dense neutronstars, rapidly spinning pulsars or as an exploding supernova." -- Financial Times"Einstein's Monsters cuts through the "fiendishly complex" mathematics to set out the evidence for black holes, and how they are born and die." -- Times Higher Education"Impey does an admirable job describing multiple facets of the often contradictory field of black hole astrophysics... Einstein's Monsters will be sure to capture the imagination of most who pick it up, simultaneously convincing the reader that these monsters, while in fact quite certainly real, should be loved and not feared." -- Science"The book gives an awe-inspiring account of the complexity and beauty of black holes that were there before our Galaxy formed and will probably be there after everything else has been shredded apart by the forces of an ever-expanding Universe." -- Nature"Astronomer Impey's accessible approach breaks down complex scientific concepts with ease and flair, name-checking everyone from Edgar Allen Poe to Pink Floyd as he lays out what we think we know about black holes—and what remains mysterious." -- Discover

Read more less

Book SynopsisThey say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. But this 'witty and clear thinking' (New York Times) book wonders, what about relativity? Physics professor Chad Orzel and his inquisitive canine companion, Emmy, tackle the concepts of general relativity in this irresistible introduction to Einstein's physics. Through armchair- and sometimes passenger-seat-conversations with Emmy about the relative speeds of dog and cat motion or the logistics of squirrel-chasing, Orzel translates complex Einsteinian ideas -- the slowing of time for a moving observer, the shrinking of moving objects, the effects of gravity on light and time, black holes, the Big Bang, and of course, E=mc2 -- into examples simple enough for a dog to understand. A lively romp through one of the great theories of modern physics, How to Teach Relativity to Your Dog will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about space, time, and anything else you might have slept through in high school physics class.Trade ReviewSteve Nadis, coauthor of The Shape of Inner Space "Emmy may be one smart dog, but her owner also happens to be an uncommonly gifted communicator. Chad Orzel's treatment of special and general relativity is comprehensive, informative, and amazingly accessible, yet it's funny too. This is, by far, the most entertaining discussion of the subject that I've ever had the pleasure of reading." Frank Close, author of The Infinity Puzzle "With Nero, the egocentric cat who believes it is the centre of the universe, and Emmy, the student dog whose questions and misunderstandings would drive any teacher to distraction, and whose interest in relativity is how E=mc^2 can turn squirrels into energy, Chad Orzel has created a delightful cast of characters to make his introduction to relativity relatively painless. A cleverly crafted and beautifully explained narrative that guides readers carefully into the depths of relativity. Whether you are a hare or a tortoise, or even a dog, you will enjoy this." Louisa Gilder, author of The Age of Entanglement "For the price of a book, Orzel delivers the heady, joyful experience of taking a small college class with a brilliant and funny professor who really knows how to teach. A thoroughly winning romp through a rock-solid presentation of a beautiful subject." Booklist "With canine humor and math- or physics-related jokes, Orzel keeps readers interested, while teaching the elements of physics that we promptly forgot after we took the test." Library Journal "Readers who enjoy Michio Kaku, Brian Greene, or Neil deGrasse Tyson will love this book. Full of quotes, math jokes, and silly canines, the book strives to make its audience amazed by, not frightened of, physics. With exuberant Emmy at the lead, readers can't help but be dragged (willingly!) toward a better understanding of special and general relativity." Washington Post "Rather than barking or growling, Emmy leavens the mood with requests for walks; and when the academics get heavy, she interjects to beg for clarification. Obviously, real-life dogs will not walk away from the book with a grasp of the universe's mechanics, but the human sort of non-scientist can get some benefit." Nature Physics "[E]ngaging and readable for a general audience... I suggest people who baulk at the idea of a talking dog but are nevertheless interested in the broad sweep of one of the two great theories of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries should give this book a chance. After all, every dog has its day." Publishers Weekly "[A] compact and instructive walk through Einstein's theory of relativit... [T]he prose is breezy and straightforward, and the material well organized... Relativity constantly amazes, and the glimpses of understanding provide rewarding and satisfying moments." Kirkus Reviews "Unlike quantum physics, which remains bizarre even to experts, much of relativity makes sense. Thus, Einstein's special relativity merely states that the laws of physics and the speed of light are identical for all observers in smooth motion. This sounds trivial but leads to weird if delightfully comprehensible phenomena, provided someone like Orzel delivers a clear explanation of why." Science News "A clever introduction to the often intimidating concepts of special and general relativity, couched as a series of conversations between the author and his dog, Emmy. It may sound like a strange setup, but the somewhat kooky concept works well for explaining a field of physics that can sound, well, kooky to the uninitiated... While keeping the math to a minimum, Orzel provides a clear and thorough primer. It might take some practice to start equating subatomic particles to running bunnies, but the reader will find that puzzling through the details is worth the effort." James Kakalios, Professor of Physics, University of Minnesota, and author of The Physics of Superheroes and The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics "Move over, Krypto--there's a new superdog in town! Chad Orzel's dog Emmy, having mastered quantum physics, now helps us understand Einstein's theories of relativity in a deep and accessible way. Get this dog a cape!" Jennifer Ouellette, author of The Calculus Diaries "Everyone's favorite physics-loving canine is back, this time giving us a dog's eye view of Einstein and relativity. Physics professor Chad Orzel leads Emmy (and us) through an engaging tour of light speed, time dilation, and amazing shrinking bunnies (length contraction)--not to mention what all this means for the search for the elusive 'bacon boson.'" Sean Carroll, author of From Eternity to Here "Dogs are a practical species. They aren't interested in speculation and conjecture; they like food, walks, and proven physics like Einstein's relativity. If you really want to further your dog's education (and learn something yourself in the process), Chad Orzel's book is the first place you should turn."

Read more less

Book SynopsisEmphasizing physical principles behind classical mechanics and relativity, this new title in the Manchester Physics Series introduces relevant mathematics and carefully develops it as needed within a physics context. Each chapter includes problems ranging in difficulty from simple to challenging with hints for solving problems.Trade Review Table of ContentsEditors’ Preface to the Manchester Physics Series xi Author’s Preface xiii I Introductory Dynamics 1 1 Space, Time and Motion 3 1.1 Defining Space and Time 3 1.1.1 Space and the classical particle 4 1.1.2 Unit vectors 6 1.1.3 Addition and subtraction of vectors 6 1.1.4 Multiplication of vectors 7 1.1.5 Time 8 1.1.6 Absolute space and space-time 10 1.2 Vectors and Co-ordinate Systems 11 1.3 Velocity and Acceleration 14 1.3.1 Frames of reference 16 1.3.2 Relative motion 16 1.3.3 Uniform acceleration 18 1.3.4 Velocity and acceleration in plane-polar co-ordinates: uniform circular motion 20 1.4 Standards and Units 21 2 Force, Momentum and Newton’s Laws 25 2.1 Force and Static Equilibrium 25 2.2 Force and Motion 31 2.2.1 Newton’s Third Law 35 2.2.2 Newton’s bucket and Mach’s principle 39 2.3 Applications of Newton’s Laws 41 2.3.1 Free body diagrams 41 2.3.2 Three worked examples 42 2.3.3 Normal forces and friction 46 2.3.4 Momentum conservation 49 2.3.5 Impulse 51 2.3.6 Motion in fluids 51 3 Energy 55 3.1 Work, Power and Kinetic Energy 56 3.2 Potential Energy 61 3.2.1 The stability of mechanical systems 64 3.2.2 The harmonic oscillator 65 3.2.3 Motion about a point of stable equilibrium 67 3.3 Collisions 68 3.3.1 Zero-momentum frames 68 3.3.2 Elastic and inelastic collisions 71 3.4 Energy Conservation in Complex Systems 75 4 Angular Momentum 81 4.1 Angular Momentum of a Particle 81 4.2 Conservation of Angular Momentum in Systems of Particles 83 4.3 Angular Momentum and Rotation About a Fixed Axis 86 4.3.1 The parallel-axis theorem 94 4.4 Sliding and Rolling 95 4.5 Angular Impulse and the Centre of Percussion 97 4.6 Kinetic Energy of Rotation 99 II Introductory Special Relativity 103 5 The Need for a New Theory of Space and Time 105 5.1 Space and Time Revisited 105 5.2 Experimental Evidence 108 5.2.1 The Michelson-Morley experiment 108 5.2.2 Stellar aberration 110 5.3 Einstein’s Postulates 113 6 Relativistic Kinematics 115 6.1 Time Dilation, Length Contraction and Simultaneity 115 6.1.1 Time dilation and the Doppler effect 116 6.1.2 Length contraction 121 6.1.3 Simultaneity 123 6.2 Lorentz Transformations 124 6.3 Velocity Transformations 129 6.3.1 Addition of velocities 129 6.3.2 Stellar aberration revisited 130 7 Relativistic Energy and Momentum 135 7.1 Momentum and Energy 135 7.1.1 The equivalence of mass and energy 142 7.1.2 The hint of an underlying symmetry 144 7.2 Applications in Particle Physics 145 7.2.1 When is relativity important? 146 7.2.2 Two useful relations and massless particles 149 7.2.3 Compton scattering 152 III Advanced Dynamics 157 8 Non-inertial Frames 159 8.1 Linearly Accelerating Frames 159 8.2 Rotating Frames 161 8.2.1 Motion on the earth 165 9 Gravitation 173 9.1 Newton’s Law of Gravity 174 9.2 The Gravitational Potential 177 9.3 Reduced Mass 182 9.4 Motion in a Central Force 184 9.5 Orbits 186 10 Rigid Body Motion 197 10.1 The Angular Momentum of a Rigid Body 198 10.2 The Moment of Inertia Tensor 200 10.2.1 Calculating the moment of inertia tensor 203 10.3 Principal Axes 207 10.4 Fixed-axis Rotation in the Lab Frame 212 10.5 Euler’s Equations 214 10.6 The Free Rotation of a Symmetric Top 216 10.6.1 The body-fixed frame 216 10.6.2 The lab frame 218 10.6.3 The wobbling earth 223 10.7 The Stability of Free Rotation 224 10.8 Gyroscopes 226 10.8.1 Gyroscopic precession 226 10.8.2 Nutation of a gyroscope 232 IV Advanced Special Relativity 237 11 The Symmetries of Space and Time 239 11.1 Symmetry in Physics 239 11.1.1 Rotations and translations 240 11.1.2 Translational symmetry 245 11.1.3 Galilean symmetry 246 11.2 Lorentz Symmetry 247 12 Four-vectors and Lorentz Invariants 253 12.1 The Velocity Four-vector 254 12.2 The Wave Four-vector 255 12.3 The Energy-momentum Four-vector 258 12.3.1 Further examples in relativistic kinematics 259 12.4 Electric and Magnetic Fields 262 13 Space-time Diagrams and Causality 267 13.1 Relativity Preserves Causality 270 13.2 An Alternative Approach 272 14 Acceleration and General Relativity 279 14.1 Acceleration in Special Relativity 279 14.1.1 Twins paradox 280 14.1.2 Accelerating frames of reference 282 14.2 A Glimpse of General Relativity 288 14.2.1 Gravitational fields 290 A Deriving the Geodesic Equation 295 B Solutions to Problems 297

Read more less

Book SynopsisE = mc2 and the Periodic Table . . . RELATIVISTIC EFFECTS IN CHEMISTRY This century''s most famous equation, Einstein''s special theory of relativity, transformed our comprehension of the nature of time and matter. Today, making use of the theory in a relativistic analysis of heavy molecules, that is, computing the properties and nature of electrons, is the work of chemists intent on exploring the mysteries of minute particles. The first work of its kind, Relativistic Effects in Chemistry details the computational and analytical methods used in studying the relativistic effects in chemical bonding as well as the spectroscopic properties of molecules containing very heavy atoms. The first of two independent volumes, Part A: Theory and Techniques describes the basic techniques of relativistic quantum chemistry. Its systematic five-part format begins with a detailed exposition of Einstein''s special theory of relativity, the significance of relativitTrade Review"This book represents an invaluable source in relativistic quantum chemistry and is recommended warmly to anyone with an interest in this area . . .it fills a gap in the literature that has existed far too long."-- -- Chemistry in BritainTable of ContentsSpecial Relativity. Relativistic Quantum Mechanics. Relativistic Quantum Chemistry. Double-Group Symmetry and the Classification of Relativistic Electronic States. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRelativity forms a core part of the physics curriculum. This introductory book offers a concise treatment of relativity, starting with Galilean transformations and the uses of relativity in Newtonian mechanics.Table of ContentsPreliminaries. The Relativity Principle, and its Applications in Newtonian Physics. Einstein's Relativity Principle. KINEMATICS. Lorentz Transformations. Invariant Intervals and Space-Time Diagrams. Proper Time and Nonuniform Motion. Four-Vectors. Four-Acceleration. MOMENTUM AND ENERGY. Particle Dynamics: Momentum and Energy. Natural Units, and the Prevalence of MeV. Systems of Particles: Four-Momentum Conservation using Invariants. WAVES. Plane Waves. Light Waves in Empty Space: Aberration and Doppler Effect. Appendices. Problems. Index.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisDesigned for non-specialists with no prior knowledge of physics and only reasonable proficiency with algebra, this book explains Einstein's theory of relativity. Diagrammed and with an emphasis on logical structure, this book guides readers through concepts of relative time and relative space.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEinstein's General Theory of Relativity leads to two remarkable predictions: first, that the ultimate destiny of many massive stars is to undergo gravitational collapse and to disappear from view, leaving behind a 'black hole' in space; and secondly, that there will exist singularities in space-time itself. These singularities are places where space-time begins or ends, and the presently known laws of physics break down. They will occur inside black holes, and in the past are what might be construed as the beginning of the universe. To show how these predictions arise, the authors discuss the General Theory of Relativity in the large. Starting with a precise formulation of the theory and an account of the necessary background of differential geometry, the significance of space-time curvature is discussed and the global properties of a number of exact solutions of Einstein's field equations are examined. The theory of the causal structure of a general space-time is developed, and is useTrade Review'The book is a masterpiece, written by sure hands.' Science'Certain to rank as an outstanding classic of the current advance of relativity theory.' Contemporary Physics'La parution de ce livre est un événement important …' La RechercheTable of ContentsPreface; 1. The role of gravity; 2. Differential geometry; 3. General relativity; 4. The physical significance of curvature; 5. Exact solutions; 6. Causal structure; 7. The Cauchy problem in General Relativity; 8. Space-time singularities; 9. Gravitational collapse and black holes; 10. The initial singularity in the universe; Appendixes; References; Notation; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of the subject of gravitational effects in quantum field theory. Although the treatment is general, special emphasis is given to the Hawking black hole evaporation effect, and to particle creation processes in the early universe. The last decade has witnessed a phenomenal growth in this subject. This is the first attempt to collect and unify the vast literature that has contributed to this development. All the major technical results are presented, and the theory is developed carefully from first principles. Here is everything that students or researchers will need to embark upon calculations involving quantum effects of gravity at the so-called one-loop approximation level.Trade Review'… the authors are to be congratulated on producing a timely work that should help to stimulate interest in this fascinating branch of theoretical physics.' Nature'This book is a clear and cogent introduction to a partially charted territory that has already proved remarkably fertile. The cultivation of new ideas should be greatly aided by providing graduate students with this coordinated textbook.' The Times Higher Education SupplementTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Quantum field theory in Minkowski space; 3. Quantum field theory in curved spacetime; 4. Flat spacetime examples; 5. Curved spacetime examples; 6. Stress-tensor renormalization; 7. Applications of renormalization techniques; 8. Quantum black holes; 9. Interacting fields; References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn response to repeated requests this classic book on space-time structure by Professor Erwin SchrÃdinger is now available in the Cambridge Science Classics series. First published in 1950, and reprinted in 1954 and 1960, this lucid and profound exposition of Einstein's 1915 theory of gravitation still provides valuable reading for students and research workers in the field.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Part I. The Unconnected Manifold: 1. Invariance; 2. Integrals; Part II. Affinely Connected Manifold: 3. Invariant derivatives; 4. Some relations between ordinary and invariant derivatives; 5. The notion of parallel transfer; 6. The curvature tensor; 7. The geodesics of an affine connexion; 8. The general geometrical hypothesis about gravitation; Part III. Metrically Connected Manifold: 9. Metrical affinities; 10. The meaning of the metric according to the special theory of relativity; 11. Conservation laws and variational principles; 12. Generalizations of Einstein's theory.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis is a self-contained exposition of general relativity with emphasis given to tetrad and spinor structures and physical measurements on curved manifolds. General relativity is now essential to the understanding of modern physics, but the power of the theory cannot be fully explained without a detailed knowledge of its mathematical structure. The aim of this book is to introduce this structure, and then to use it to develop those applications that have been central to the growth of the theory. An overview of differential geometry is provided and properties of a tetrad field are then extensively analysed. These are used to introduce spinors, to describe the geometry of congruences and define the physical measurements on a curved manifold. The coupling of fields and geometry is investigated in terms of Lagrangeans and a detailed discussion of some exact solutions of the Einstein equations are provided.Trade Review' … a useful book with some unusual features which will win it a place on relativists' shelves and may be of interest to mathematical physicists in general.' Contemporary PhysicsTable of ContentsGeometry and physics: an overview; 1. The background manifold structure; 2. Differentiation; 3. The curvature; 4. Space-time and tetrad formalism; 5. Spinors and the classification of the Weyl tensor; 6. Coupling between fields and geometry; 7. Dynamics on curved manifolds; 8. Geometry of congruences; 9. Physical measurements in space-time; 10. Spherically symmetric solutions; 11. Axially symmetric solutions; References; Notation; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIntroducing the theoretical ideas, observational methods and results, this textbook is a thorough introduction to the exciting field of dark energy. Ideally suited to graduate courses on dark energy, it contains problems with full solutions. Any calculations are worked through step-by-step.Trade Review'… tightly-packed, of a high standard, making appreciable demands upon the reader, student and researcher … [this book] succeeds in its purpose of bringing the reader closer to an appreciation of the wonders and the complexities that cosmology sets out to elucidate.' Contemporary Physics'One strength of Amendola and Tsujikawa's book is the level of detail it provides on dark energy models … comprehensive.' Joshua Frieman, Physics TodayTable of Contents1. Overview; 2. Expansion history of the universe; 3. Correlation function and power spectrum; 4. Basics of cosmological perturbation theory; 5. Observational evidence of dark energy; 6. Cosmological constant; 7. Dark energy as a modified form of matter I: quintessence; 8. Dark energy as a modified form of matter II; 9. Dark energy as a modification of gravity; 10. Cosmic acceleration without dark energy; 11. Dark energy and linear cosmological perturbations; 12. Non-linear cosmological perturbations; 13. Statistical methods in cosmology; 14. Future observational constraints on the nature of dark energy; 15. Conclusion and outlook; 16. Answers to the problems; 17. Mathematical appendix; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisQuantum gravity is perhaps the most important open problem in fundamental physics. It is the problem of merging quantum mechanics and general relativity, the two great conceptual revolutions in the physics of the twentieth century. The loop and spinfoam approach, presented in this 2004 book, is one of the leading research programs in the field. The first part of the book discusses the reformulation of the basis of classical and quantum Hamiltonian physics required by general relativity. The second part covers the basic technical research directions. Appendices include a detailed history of the subject of quantum gravity, hard-to-find mathematical material, and a discussion of some philosophical issues raised by the subject. This fascinating text is ideal for graduate students entering the field, as well as researchers already working in quantum gravity. It will also appeal to philosophers and other scholars interested in the nature of space and time.Trade Review'In spite of its sociological success string theory is still far from a solution of the problem of quantum gravity which should be considered as wide open. The book of Carlo Rovelli provides the basis, both at the technical and the conceptual level, for research in this fundamental problem of physics. The basic issues are clearly and deeply analyzed without any dogmatic stand and with great freedom of thoughts resulting in an invaluable opportunity to learn and think for both mathematicians and physicists.' Alain Connes, Collège de France, I.H.E.S. and Vanderbilt University'This is a truly great book! … a must for someone interested in quantum gravity.' Mathematical Reviews'… written very carefully and can be recommended highly to anybody interested in the broad field and in conceptual issues of quantum gravity … experts … will find many new and clear notes of the author's view of loop quantum gravity as one of its founders … a non-expert reader, after working through the book, will be well prepared to read up further details in research or review articles …' General Relativity and Gravitation JournalTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Terminology and notation; Part I. Relativistic Foundations: 1. General ideas and heuristic picture; 2. General relativity; 3. Mechanics; 4. Hamiltonian general relativity; 5. Quantum mechanics; Part II. Loop Quantum Gravity: 6. Quantum space; 7. Dynamics and matter; 8. Applications; 9. Quantum spacetime: spinfoams; 10. Conclusion; Part III. Appendices: References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisCovering all aspects of gravitation in a contemporary style, this advanced textbook is ideal for graduate students and researchers. Its modular structure allows different sections to be combined to suit a variety of courses. There are more than 200 exercises and over 30 in-depth projects.Trade Review'This book is immensely impressive. It is full of insights and derivations that do not appear in other books. The serious student will appreciate the extensive coverage of advanced topics, notably of actions. One might say, the book is action-packed.' Andrew J. S. Hamilton, Professor of Astrophysics, University of Colorado, Boulder'… well written throughout … presents its material with admirable clarity and patience. It contains many topics that are not easily found in other relativity textbooks, at least not in the detail presented here … The book is a valuable contribution to the textbook literature on general relativity and will remain up-to-date for many years to come. It contains 225 exercises (without solutions), many of them highly original, and presents thirty projects that can be used to build a bridge between the exercise level and research work at the level of a master thesis and beyond. It is certainly not possible to cover the whole material in a 1-year course, but its modular structure enables the lecturer to make the selection that is needed for his or her purpose. I plan to use and test the book myself in my next course on relativity and cosmology.' General Relativity and Gravitation'Every topic is extremely well referenced and current … This book is likely to be an essential reference for any galaxy-formation-research student or professor. In the coming years I can see myself dipping into this treasure trove on a very regular basis.' Shaun Cole, The Observatory'Within minutes of opening the rich, heavy, full, yet succinctly written 728 pages I realised that this is a new and personal view on general relativity, which leads beyond many excellent standard textbooks and offers a challenging training ground for students with its original exercises and study topics … [I] highly recommend it to anyone interested in general relativity and related fields because it offers a modern update … if you are a bookworm like me, you must have it, because it is a great read from start to finish.' Cern Courier'The book is well written throughout and presents its material with admirable clarity and patience. It contains many topics that are not easily found in other relativity textbooks, at least not in the detail presented here … The book is a valuable contribution to the textbook literature on general relativity and will remain up-to-date for many years to come … I plan to use and test the book myself in my next course on relativity and cosmology.' Institut für Theoretische Physik'… a comprehensive textbook containing both the fundamental and the frontier aspects of gravitation theory. The book is a real pleasure to read by a reader with basic knowledge in mathematics and physics.' Contemporary PhysicsTable of Contents1. Special relativity; 2. Scalar and electromagnetic fields in special relativity; 3. Gravity and spacetime geometry: the inescapable connection; 4. Metric tensor, geodesics and covariant derivative; 5. Curvature of spacetime; 6. Einstein's field equations and gravitational dynamics; 7. Spherically symmetric geometry; 8. Black holes; 9. Gravitational waves; 10. Relativistic cosmology; 11. Differential forms and exterior calculus; 12. Hamiltonian structure of general relativity; 13. Evolution of cosmological perturbations; 14. Quantum field theory in curved spacetime; 15. Gravity in higher and lower dimensions; 16. Gravity as an emergent phenomenon; Notes; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe two towering achievements of modern physics are quantum theory and Einstein''s general theory of relativity. Together, they explain virtually everything about the world we live in. But, almost a century after their advent, most people haven''t the slightest clue what either is about.Did you know that there''s so much empty space inside matter that the entire human race could be squeezed into the volume of a sugar cube? Or that you grow old more quickly on the top floor of a building than on the ground floor? And did you realize that 1% of the static on a TV tuned between stations is the relic of the Big Bang? Marcus Chown, the bestselling author of What A Wonderful World and the Solar System app, explains all with characteristic wit, colour and clarity, from the Big Bang and Einstein''s general theory of relativity to probability, gravity and quantum theory. ''Chown discusses special and general relativity, probablity waves, quantum entang

Read more less

Book SynopsisSTEPHEN HAWKING was a brilliant theoretical physicist and is generally considered to have been one of the world's greatest thinkers. He held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge for thirty years and is the author of A Brief History of Time which was an international bestseller. His other books for the general reader include A Briefer History of Time, the essay collection Black Holes and Baby Universe, The Universe in a Nutshell, The Grand Design, and Black Holes: The BBC Reith Lectures.He died on 14 March, 2018.Trade ReviewThis book marries a child's wonder to a genius's intellect. We journey into Hawking's universe, while marvelling at his mind * The Sunday Times *A Brief History of Time:'It is the publishing sensation of the past decade' * Spectator *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlmost weightless and able to pass through the densest materials with ease, neutrinos may offer answers to questions ranging from relativity and quantum mechanics to more radical theories about dark energy and supersymmetry. Heinrich Päs serves as our fluent guide to a particle world that tests the boundaries of space, time, and human knowledge.Trade ReviewSome science books are good because they tell you a lot about science. Some are good because they present their examples and argument in very well written prose. A few do both. The Perfect Wave is one of the few… I can highly recommend The Perfect Wave as a pleasant and provocative way to gain insight into the way physicists think, and into the way the universe (probably) works. -- John Gribbin * Wall Street Journal *Päs for his part, places neutrinos within the broader context of contemporary high theory and delves deeper into the science. Physics buffs will relish his explanations, and not just of established ideas such a the seesaw mechanism. Neutrinos, Päs explains, may offer a way to probe the extra dimensions of space postulated by some ‘theories of everything.’ The puny particles’ weirdness, it seems, knows no end. * The Economist *The ghostly neutrino—a mutable, almost massless particle that can pass through dense substances—stars in this scientific history. Theoretical physicist Heinrich Päs surfs the decades of dazzling research since Wolfgang Pauli first posited the particle in 1930. Päs revisits key theorists such as Ettore Majorana, and lays out the work of groundbreaking labs from Los Alamos in New Mexico, where Fred Reines and Clyde Cowan first detected neutrinos in the early 1950s, to today’s vast IceCube neutrino observatory in Antarctica. * Nature *Written by one of the world’s leading experts in the field…Heinrich Päs’ book guides the reader through some difficult territory, covering the historical and philosophical developments that led to our understanding of the neutrino today. It is a peculiar route that navigates via such topics as the ancient Greek and magic mushrooms. Plus of course the obligatory cat that is simultaneously alive and dead… Though this book is written in simple language, don’t expect an easy read. There are some highly challenging ideas to get your head around—but it is worth making the effort. -- Paul Sutherland * BBC Sky at Night *Takes readers for a wild ride in pursuit of the neutrino—part ghost, part outlaw, part Holy Grail to theoretical physicists… From vast laboratories deep underground to the cutting edge Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory nearing completion in frigid Antarctica, Päs reveals the ‘world of madmen, dreamers, and visionaries’ who pursue the neutrino and its place in theoretical physics. * Publishers Weekly *Entertaining and evocative, Päs has written a breezy, readable account of particle physics, especially neutrino physics, in a lucid, lively narrative. -- Sandip Pakvasa, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Read more less

Book SynopsisRon Cowen offers a sweeping account of the century of experimentation that has consistently confirmed Einstein's general theory of relativity. He shows how we got from Eddington's pivotal observations of the 1919 eclipse to the Event Horizon Telescope, aimed at starlight wrapping around the black hole at our galaxy's center.Trade ReviewCowen is a gifted science writer and storyteller, and the story is amazing! -- John C. Mather, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics[Cowen’s] brisk, engaging narrative leads us from Einstein’s famous ‘thought experiments’ through theorists’ many (so far unsuccessful) attempts to marry quantum mechanics with general relativity, and up to recent (more successful) efforts to observe gravitational waves and black holes. * Wall Street Journal *There are some extremely clever ways to visualize how gravitation works in a Universe governed by General Relativity under a wide variety of physical conditions, and Cowen explores many of the classic ways you've probably seen before along with some incredibly creative ones that were new, even to me. -- Ethan Siegel * Forbes *A brief, accessible account of the 1919 eclipse and subsequent advances in cosmology, touching upon dark matter, dark energy, quantum gravity, and black holes. It’s a very quick and readable introduction to some of the exotic findings that came in Einstein’s wake. * Bookforum *This is as good a short introduction to Einstein’s thought as one could wish for. -- Simon Ings * The Spectator *In a conversational style, the veteran physics writer chronicles the field’s greatest hits in the century since a solar eclipse proved Einstein was right. -- Gemma Tarlach * Discover *A breezy and enjoyable read, a welcome addition to a crowded shelf of books on these topics. -- Peter Coles * Nature *Gravity’s Century is remarkably easy to follow and read. If you are a keen beginner, or just interested in some of the people behind the science, read this book. -- Laura Nuttall * BBC Sky at Night *This gracefully written history of 20th-century gravity research from science writer Cowen shines a light on a key aspect of modern physics…Filled with vivid descriptions of cutting-edge work and the scientists behind it, Cowen’s book is fascinating, both a learning experience and a pleasure to read. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *A clear and compelling narrative about the development of our understanding of gravity and the universe, powered by Einstein and his cohorts. Cowen weaves together the historical and personal events leading to this revolution and brings us up to date with the ideas and speculations that will likely forge an even newer and more radical understanding of the nature of the world. -- George F. Smoot, winner of the Nobel Prize in PhysicsEinstein’s general theory of relativity radically changed our notions of space, gravity, and time. Gravity’s Century takes us from Einstein’s struggle to develop his theory up to the modern day—when the detection of gravitational waves from black holes has confirmed general relativity’s most audacious claims, even as scientists are still trying to reconcile the theory with the other great idea of twentieth-century physics, quantum mechanics. -- David Spergel, Princeton UniversityAccessible and compact…A great introduction to Einstein’s theory of general relativity and the century of research that has been testing his ideas since. -- Leon Vlieger * Inquisitive Biologist *A concise chronicle of the dramatic expansion of our knowledge of the universe, from the eclipse expeditions of 1919 to test Einstein’s theory of relativity, to the Event Horizon Telescope’s black hole images of 2019. -- Mike Perricone * Symmetry *Clear and readily intelligible to the non-specialist. -- Johannes E. Riutta * Well-Read Naturalist *Its informal, readable style hides an enormous amount of physics and a fair share of history. * Choice *[An] enjoyable read…Cowen does a good job of breaking down ideas so that they are easily understood…I would recommend Gravity’s Century to anyone with an interest in astrophysics in general, or in gravitation in particular. -- Earl Patrick Bellinger * Metascience *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSet in the turbulent post-World War I period, this volume finds Einstein awaiting news of the 1919 British eclipse expedition to test the general relativistic prediction of the deflection of starlight by the sun. It reveals facets of Einstein as he constructively participated in German and European scientific, academic, and cultural life.Trade Review"This is a real treat. The letters in the latest, brilliantly edited volume of his correspondence here were written around the time the 40-year-old Einstein blossomed from superstar physicist to global celebrity almost overnight, after his general relativity theory was apparently verified. It is fascinating to read how he coped with sudden hounding by press"riff-raff,' with scoffing anti-Semitic critics, as well as divorce, remarriage and his mother's death. What an extraordinary time, what revealing correspondence."--Graham Farmelo, New Scientist

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisDeep within galaxies like the Milky Way, astronomers have found a fascinating legacy of Einstein's general theory of relativity: supermassive black holes. Connected to the evolution of the galaxies that contain these black holes, galactic nuclei are the sites of uniquely energetic events, including quasars, stellar tidal disruptions, and the generaTrade Review"[T]his is a book that would be useful to anybody interested in the astrophysics of galaxies... I can recommend this book enthusiastically."--Anvar Shukurov, Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluid DynamicsTable of ContentsPreface ix Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL OVERVIEW 1 Chapter 2 OBSERVATIONS OF GALACTIC NUCLEI AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES 11 2.1 Structure of galaxies and galactic nuclei 11 2.2 Techniques for weighing black holes 18 2.3 Supermassive black holes in the Local Group 29 2.4 Phenomenology 33 2.5 Evidence for intermediate-mass black holes 45 2.6 Evidence for binary and multiple supermassive black holes 47 2.7 Gravitational waves 52 Chapter 3 COLLISIONLESS EQUILIBRIA 57 3.1 Orbits, integrals, and steady states 59 3.2 Spherical nuclei 72 3.3 The adiabatic growth model 90 3.4 Axisymmetric nuclei 93 3.5 Triaxial nuclei 100 Chapter 4 MOTION NEAR SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES 117 4.1 Keplerian orbits 120 4.2 Perturbed orbits 125 4.3 The post-Newtonian approximation 131 4.4 Newtonian perturbations 135 4.5 Relativistic orbits 157 4.6 Capture 176 4.7 Relativistic motion in the presence of a distributed mass 183 4.8 Motion in the presence of a second massive body 192 4.9 Stellar motions at the center of the Milky Way 203 Chapter 5 THEORY OF GRAVITATIONAL ENCOUNTERS 213 5.1 Basic concepts and time of relaxation 213 5.2 Diffusion coefficients 216 5.3 Fokker-Planck equation 236 5.4 Gravitational Brownian motion 246 5.5 Orbit-averaged Fokker-Planck equation 251 5.6 Gravitational encounters near a supermassive black hole 264 5.7 Encounters with a spinning supermassive black hole 277 Chapter 6 LOSS-CONE DYNAMICS 289 6.1 Spherical symmetry 297 6.2 Nonspherical nuclei 326 6.3 Binary and hypervelocity stars 341 6.4 Relativistic loss cones and extreme-mass-ratio inspirals 350 Chapter 7 COLLISIONAL EVOLUTION OF NUCLEI 361 7.1 Evolution of the stellar distribution around a supermassive black hole 366 7.2 Cusp (re)generation 383 7.3 Black-hole-driven expansion 390 7.4 Massive perturbers 391 7.5 Evolution of nuclei lacking massive black holes 395 Chapter 8 BINARY AND MULTIPLE SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES 415 8.1 Interaction of a massive binary with field stars 417 8.2 Massive binary at the center of a galaxy: I. Early evolution 432 8.3 Massive binary at the center of a galaxy: II. Late evolution 446 8.4 Interaction of binary supermassive black holes with gas 462 8.5 Simulations of galaxy mergers 467 8.6 Dynamics of intermediate-mass black holes 468 8.7 Triple supermassive black holes and the final-parsec problem 483 Suggestions for Further Reading 489 References 493 Index 535

Read more less

Book SynopsisAfter completing the final version of his general theory of relativity in November 1915, Albert Einstein wrote a book about relativity for a popular audience. His intention was "to give an exact insight into the theory of relativity to those readers who, from a general scientific and philosophical point of view, are interested in the theory, but whTrade ReviewOne of Symmetry magazine's Physics Books of 2015 "I can still see some fugitive magic in Relativity ... it conjures Einstein as the oracle presenting a theory to the world--one of the most revolutionary and profound theories of all time."--Pedro Ferreira, Nature "Nobody is better at explaining relativity than Einstein himself; his account provides a combination of depth and clarity that only he could confidently produce... This 100th anniversary edition is complemented by commentary from Gutfreund and Renn, who clarify some key points and add historical perspective, making Einstein's own words even more accessible and meaningful."--Tom Siegfried, Science News "Hanoch Gutfreund, professor emeritus of theoretical physics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Jurgen Renn, director of the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin, augment the 100th anniversary edition of [Relativity] with a reading companion to make Einstein's thinking clearer to present-day readers."--Mike Perricone, Symmetry MagazineTable of ContentsIntroduction xiii Einstein as a Missionary of Science 1 Einstein's Booklet: Relativity: The Special and the General Theory 7 PART I : The Special Theory of Relativity 1.Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions 11 2.The System of Co- ordinates 14 3.Space and Time in Classical Mechanics 18 4.The Galileian System of Co- ordinates 21 5.The Principle of Relativity (in the Restricted Sense) 23 6.The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities Employed in Classical Mechanics 27 7.The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity 28 8.On the Idea of Time in Physics 32 9.The Relativity of Simultaneity 36 10.On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance 39 11.The Lorentz Transformation 41 12.The Behaviour of Measuring- Rods and Clocks in Motion 47 13.Theorem of the Addition of the Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau 50 14.The Heuristic Value of the Theory of Relativity 54 15.General Results of the Theory 56 16.Experience and the Special Theory of Relativity 62 17.Minkowski's Four- Dimensional Space 68 PART II: The General Theory of Relativity 18.Special and General Principle of Relativity 72 19.The Gravitational Field 76 20.The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity 80 21.In What Respects Are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity Unsatisfactory? 85 22.A Few Inferences from the General Principle of Relativity 88 23.Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring- Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference 93 24.Euclidean and Non- Euclidean Continuum 97 25.Gaussian Co- ordinates 101 26.The Space- Time Continuum of the Special Theory of Relativity Considered as a Euclidean Continuum 106 27.The Space- Time Continuum of the General Theory of Relativity Is Not a Euclidean Continuum 109 28.Exact Formulation of the General Principle of Relativity 113 29.The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the General Principle of Relativity 117 PART III: Considerations on the Universe as a Whole 30.Cosmological Diffi culties of Newton's Theory 122 31.The Possibility of a "Finite" and Yet "Unbounded" Universe 125 32.The Structure of Space According to the General Theory of Relativity 131 Appendixes 1.Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation (Supplementary to Section 11) (1918) 133 2.Minkowski's Four- Dimensional Space ("World") (Supplementary to Section 17) (1918) 140 3.The Experimental Confi rmation of the General Theory of Relativity (1920) 142 4.The Structure of Space According to the General Theory of Relativity (Supplementary to Section 32) (1946) 153 5.Relativity and the Problem of Space (1953) 155 A Reading Companion: Thirteen Commentaries Physics and Geometry ( 1- 2) 180 Mechanics and Space ( 3- 6) 182 Light Propagation and Time ( 7- 9) 187 Light Propagation and Space ( 10- 12 and Appendix 1) 191 Physics in Relativistic Space and Time ( 13- 16) 193 The World of Four Dimensions ( 17 and Appendix 2) 201 From Special to General Relativity 204 Gravitation and Inertia ( 18- 21) 205 Acceleration, Clocks, and Rods ( 22- 23) 209 Gravitation and Geometry ( 24- 27) 213 Gravitation and General Relativity ( 28- 29) 218 The Challenge of Cosmology ( 30- 32 and Appendix 4) 222 The Relation between Theory and Experiment (Appendix 3) 226 The Changing Concept of Space (Appendix 5) 230 A History and Survey of Foreign-Language Editions The English Translation 244 The French Translation 247 The Italian Translation 252 The Spanish Translation 256 The Russian Translation 259 The Chinese Translation 262 The Japanese Translation 266 The Polish Translation 270 The Czech Translation 273 The Hebrew Translation 276 Concluding Remarks 279 Appended Documents A Letter from Walther Rathenau to Einstein 281 A Sample Page of Einstein's Handwriting 284 Manuscript of Appendix 3 of the Booklet 286 Further Reading 293 Index 297

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book is a very worthwhile, balanced, and useful summary of our current understanding of the fundamental laws of physics. Langacker covers a large amount of material in a very digestible way."—Savdeep Sethi, University of Chicago"Langacker is a renowned expert in particle physics who has made fundamental contributions to the field and lived through the golden era of the standard model. Not surprisingly, the scientific level of this informative book is impeccable."—Gian Francesco Giudice, author of A Zeptospace Odyssey: A Journey into the Physics of the LHC"Langacker has written a useful and informative book that brings the standard model to a broad audience of scientists and aspiring scientists who are interested in the current status of particle physics."—Tom Lubensky, University of PennsylvaniaTable of ContentsPreface vii 1. The Epic Quest 1 2 The Three Eras 7 2.1 The Ingredients 7 2.2 Prehistory 9 2.3 The Era of Exploration 12 2.4 The Standard Model Era 22 2.5 Beyond the Standard Model 26 3 Particles, Interactions, and Cosmology 29 3.1 The Fundamental Particles 29 3.2 The Interactions 35 3.3 Cosmology 41 4 The Standard Model 51 4.1 Gauge Invariance and QED 51 4.2 Internal Symmetries 65 4.3 Yang-Mills Theories 70 4.4 Quantum Chromodynamics 73 4.5 The SU(2) x U(1) Model 83 4.6 The Higgs Mechanism 86 4.7 The Electroweak Theory 91 5 What Don't We Know? 137 5.1 Arbitrariness and Tuning 138 5.2 Terra Incognita: Unanswered Questions 151 5.3 Are the Paradigms Correct? 163 6 How Will We Find Out? 175 6.1 The Ideas 175 6.2 The Tests 211 7. Epilogue: The Dream 223 Postscript: Run 2 226 Glossary 229 Bibliography 251 Index 259

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Any devotee of Einstein will relish the chance to parse this annotated facsimile of the physicist's original manuscript on general relativity... [Gutfreund and Renn's] cogent descriptions and the accompanying illustrations and documents open a fascinating window onto Einstein's otherwise inaccessible opus."--Scientific American "[Gutfreund and Renn] remind us of the charm a manuscript affords: rare glimpses into the working process of a great mind."--New Scientist "The Road to Relativity by Hanoch Gutfreund and Jurgen Renn reproduces the 45 handwritten--and hand-corrected--pages of Einstein's general theory, accompanied by extensive annotations on the science, its historical context and the implications for the future. The volume also includes a glossary of scientists and philosophers relevant to Einstein's work and some entertainingly lively illustrations--such as one of Einstein pouring coffee on a moving train to demonstrate that motion is relative--by Laurent Taudin."--Nancy Szokan, Washington Post "Gutfreund and Renn dissect every page of the manuscript, explaining the meaning of each passage and describing Einstein's thought processes leading up to it... The Road to Relativity is accessible and engaging."--Tom Siegfried, Science News "[A] wonderful book that combines a facsimile of Einstein's original manuscript, an English translation and a rich annotation."--Bill Condie, Cosmos MagazineTable of Contents*Frontmatter, pg. i*CONTENTS, pg. vii*A Brief Note on the Publication of this Work, pg. xi*Foreword, pg. xiii*Preface, pg. xvii*The Charm of a Manuscript, pg. 1*Einstein's Intellectual Odyssey to General Relativity, pg. 7*The Annotated Manuscript, pg. 37*Notes on the Annotation Pages, pg. 141*Postscript: The Drama Continues ..., pg. 149*A Chronology of the Genesis of General Relativity and its Formative Years, pg. 159*Physicists, Mathematicians, and Philosophers Relevant to Einstein's Thinking, pg. 165*Further Reading, pg. 179*English Translation of "The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity", pg. 183*English Translation of "Hamilton's Principle and the General Theory of Relativity", pg. 227*Index, pg. 233

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Finalist for the PROSE Award in History of Science, Medicine, and Technology, Association of American Publishers""One of BBC Sky at Night Magazine's Best Astronomy and Space Books of 2019""One of Nature's Top Ten Books of 2019""[No Shadow of a Doubt] offers a richly detailed account of the protagonists and their success against long odds. Mr. Kennefick is at his most compelling when dissecting and refuting accusations of bias that have shrouded the historic feat."---Ray Jayawardhana, Wall Street Journal"Kennefick brings a thrilling mix of ingredients together into a . . . rewarding read: the chutzpah of Einstein; the glamour, luck and sense of adventure of eclipse-chasing; the audacity of planning such a demanding experiment during the first world war and executing it in its chaotic aftermath."---Anjana Ahuja, Financial Times"Physicist Kennefick narrates the buildup to, and fallout from, the experiment that confirmed Einstein’s radical idea and made him an international star."---Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American"Meticulously researched and vividly written, [this] account is sure to become the standard reference work on this fascinating example of ‘Big Science’."---Peter Coles, Nature"[An] insightful biography."---Simon Ings, The Spectator"This is a fascinating book, full of insights into the relationship between theory and experimental proof, and the relationship between science, internationalism, and war."---Emily Winterburn, BBC Sky at Night Magazine"A detailed and scholarly examination of the 1919 eclipse expeditions . . . a wonderfully rich and authoritative study of the way science worked in 1919 (“a golden age for astronomy”)."---P. D. Smith, Times Literary Supplement"[Kennefick’s] purpose is to very thoroughly rebut the skeptics, which he accomplishes in part through a careful and technical review of the instruments, the data, and an astronomer’s 1978 reanalysis of the data using a computer, but also by standing up for Frank Dyson."---Karen Olsson, Bookforum"Daniel Kennefick’s wonderful No Shadow of a Doubt has something for everyone, and I highly recommend it, especially in this centennial year."---Jay M. Pasachoff, Key Reporter"[An] excellent book . . . [this] story, in Kennefick’s hands, is well told, with plenty to interest the non-specialist and the more expert reader alike"---Andy Sawyers, British Astronomical Association"Even if shadows and doubts about the 1919 findings remain, this thoughtful and rigorous book at least lays several old myths to rest."---Suman Seth, American Scientist"Daniel Kennefick’s is the most detailed study of the eclipse expedition to date."---Alexei B. Kojevnikov, American Journal of Physics"[Kennefick] celebrates the 100th anniversary of that eclipse by providing us with a detailed, engagingly written, and extremely well-referenced account of the results and their purported confirmation of General Relativity."---David W. Hughes, The Observatory"Rather than privileging the roles of Eddington and Einstein, as other works have done, Kennefick places Einstein and even, to some extent, Eddington in the back seat, focusing instead on Sir Frank Dyson, the instruments and methods used, and the astronomical institutions associated with the expedition. Such an approach shows that the experimental verification of a theory does not lie with single figures but is often driven by several individuals and institutions—their environments, epoch, and instrumentation."---Tiffany Nichols, Isis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Einstein Was Right is a compelling and thought-provoking account of one of the most thrilling scientific discoveries of the modern age travel." * Society for the History of Astronomy Bulletin *"The book is in general well written and the articles are all interesting and informative. In spite of my decades-long acquaintance with the subject, I found much material that I was not familiar with and which was enlightening."---Ajit Kembhavi, Current Science

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Finalist for the PROSE Award in History of Science, Medicine, and Technology, Association of American Publishers""One of BBC Sky at Night Magazine's Best Astronomy and Space Books of 2019""One of Nature's Top Ten Books of 2019"

Read more less