Description
Book SynopsisPresents an analysis of the persistent difficulties of defining inertial mass in a noncircular manner. This book discusses the related question of whether mass is an observational or a theoretical concept. It also studies the notion of mass in special relativity.
Trade Review"The book reads likes an engaging, well-planned lecture, with many a historical aside and opinionated excursion."--Publishers Weekly "A valuable and badly needed account that manages to be undogmatic, comprehensive and accessible... I can strongly recommend this beautifully written and accessible book."--Andrew Pinsent, Physics World "An interesting and stimulating mix of physics and philosophical issues...Jammer has produced a fascinating look into the nature of a quantity that most of us take for granted ... and its also fun to read."--Barry R. Holstein, American Scientist "[Jammer's] contributions to the conceptual foundations of physics have been, and continue to be, both fruitful and enlightening."--Jonathan Bain, Physics Today
Table of ContentsPreface vii Acknowledgments xii INTRODUCTION 3 CHAPTER 1 Inertial Mass 5 CHAPTER 2 Relativistic Mass 41 CHAPTER 3 The Mass-Energy Relation 62 CHAPTER 4 Gravitational Mass and the Principle of Equivalence 90 CHAPTER 5 The Nature of Mass 143 Index 169
