Special Relativity and How it Works

Based on his successful work "Special Relativity and Motions Faster than Light", Moses Fayngold has written a thorough presentation of the special theory of relativity. The unique feature of the textbook is its two–leveled structure helping students to master the material more effectively: the first level presents a qualitative discussion of a problem while the second one contains its rigorous treatment. Fayngold points out the connection between fundamental principles and known phenomena. In three new chapters on ′Relativity at Work′ (Electromagnetism, Optics, Quantum Mechanics), he not only shows what relativity is, but also how it works. the scope of new material extends to include a chapter on Causality and Applied relativity, including astrophysical and accelerator topics. Backed throughout by numerous examples and exercises.

Spis treści:
Preface.
1. Introduction.
2. Light and Relativity.
3. The Velocities′ Play.
4. Space–Time.
5. Relativity at Work I: Mechanics.
6. Relativity at Work II: Electromagnetism and Optics.
7. Relativistic Paradoxes.
8. Miracles of a Spinning World.
9. Theory of Relativity is the Theory of Absoluteness.
10. Relativity at Work III: Quantum Mechanics.
11. Relativity and Causality.
12. Applied Relativity.
13. A Bit of General Relativity.
Appendix A. State Function and the Continuity Equation.
Appendix B. Representation of Observables by Operators.
Appendix C. The Pauli Matrices.
Appendix D. Dimensionality of Dirac′s Matrices.
Appendix E. Optical Barriers for a Photon.
Appendix F. Cause and Effect.
Appendix G. Permittivity and Refractive Index.
References.
Index.

Nota biograficzna:
Moses Fayngold is Special Lecturer at the Physics Department of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he is also involved in the research activities of the Multi–Disciplinary Optical Science and Engin eering Program. He has been lecturing for some 20 years on special relativity, both to non–specialized audiences in public planetariums as well as to undergraduate and graduate students.

Okładka tylna:
Based on his successful work "Special Relativity and Motions Faster than Light", Moses Fayngold has written a thorough presentation of the special theory of relativity. The unique feature of the textbook is its two–leveled structure helping students to master the material more effectively: the first level presents a qualitative discussion of a problem while the second one contains its rigorous treatment. Fayngold points out the connection between fundamental principles and known phenomena. In three new chapters on ′Relativity at Work′ (Electromagnetism, Optics, Quantum Mechanics), he not only shows what relativity is, but also how it works. the scope of new material extends to include a chapter on Causality and Applied relativity, including astrophysical and accelerator topics. Backed throughout by numerous examples and exercises.