Relativity and Its Roots

Relativity and Its Roots

Author: Banesh Hoffmann

Publisher: Courier Corporation

Published: 1999-01-01

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 9780486406763

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Entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of the meaning of relativity theory trace development from basis in geometrical, cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, plus work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, others. 1983 edition.


Book Synopsis Relativity and Its Roots by : Banesh Hoffmann

Download or read book Relativity and Its Roots written by Banesh Hoffmann and published by Courier Corporation. This book was released on 1999-01-01 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Entertaining, nontechnical demonstrations of the meaning of relativity theory trace development from basis in geometrical, cosmological ideas of the ancient Greeks, plus work by Kepler, Galileo, Newton, others. 1983 edition.


The Roots of Special Relativity

The Roots of Special Relativity

Author: Peter Galison

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-09-13

Total Pages: 420

ISBN-13: 1136709169

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Modern science has changed every aspect of life in ways that cannot be compared to developments of previous eras. This four-volume set presents key developments within modern physical science and the effects of these discoveries on modern global life. The first two volumes explore the history of the concept of relativity, the cultural roots of science, the concept of time and gravity before, during, and after Einstein's theory, and the cultural reception of relativity. Volume 3 explores the impact of modern science upon global politics and the creation of a new kind of war, and Volume 4 details the old and new efforts surrounding the elucidation of the quantum world, as well as the cultural impact of particle physics. This reprint collection pools the best scholarship available, collected from a large array of difficult to acquire books, journals, and pamphlets. Each volume begins with an introductory essay, written by one of the top scholars in the history of science. Students and scholars of modern culture, science, and society will find these volumes a veritable research gold mine.


Book Synopsis The Roots of Special Relativity by : Peter Galison

Download or read book The Roots of Special Relativity written by Peter Galison and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-09-13 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Modern science has changed every aspect of life in ways that cannot be compared to developments of previous eras. This four-volume set presents key developments within modern physical science and the effects of these discoveries on modern global life. The first two volumes explore the history of the concept of relativity, the cultural roots of science, the concept of time and gravity before, during, and after Einstein's theory, and the cultural reception of relativity. Volume 3 explores the impact of modern science upon global politics and the creation of a new kind of war, and Volume 4 details the old and new efforts surrounding the elucidation of the quantum world, as well as the cultural impact of particle physics. This reprint collection pools the best scholarship available, collected from a large array of difficult to acquire books, journals, and pamphlets. Each volume begins with an introductory essay, written by one of the top scholars in the history of science. Students and scholars of modern culture, science, and society will find these volumes a veritable research gold mine.


The Curious History of Relativity

The Curious History of Relativity

Author: Jean Eisenstaedt

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2018-06-05

Total Pages: 363

ISBN-13: 0691186758

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Black holes may obliterate most things that come near them, but they saved the theory of general relativity. Einstein's theory was quickly accepted as the true theory of gravity after its publication in 1915, but soon took a back seat in physics to quantum mechanics and languished for decades on the blackboards of mathematicians. Not until the existence of black holes by Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose in the 1960s, after Einstein's death, was the theory revived. Almost one hundred years after general relativity replaced Newton's theory of gravitation, The Curious History of Relativity tells the story of both events surrounding general relativity and the techniques employed by Einstein and the relativists to construct, develop, and understand his almost impenetrable theory. Jean Eisenstaedt, one of the world's leading experts on the subject, also discusses the theory's place in the evolution of twentieth-century physics. He describes the main stages in the development of general relativity: its beginnings, its strange crossing of the desert during Einstein's lifetime while under heated criticism, and its new life from the 1960s on, when it became vital to the understanding of black holes and the observation of exotic objects, and, eventually, to the discovery of the accelerating universe. We witness Einstein's construction of his theory, as well as the work of his fascinated, discouraged, and enthusiastic colleagues--physicists, mathematicians, and astronomers. Written with flair, The Curious History of Relativity poses--and answers--the difficult questions raised by Einstein's magnificent intellectual feat.


Book Synopsis The Curious History of Relativity by : Jean Eisenstaedt

Download or read book The Curious History of Relativity written by Jean Eisenstaedt and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2018-06-05 with total page 363 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Black holes may obliterate most things that come near them, but they saved the theory of general relativity. Einstein's theory was quickly accepted as the true theory of gravity after its publication in 1915, but soon took a back seat in physics to quantum mechanics and languished for decades on the blackboards of mathematicians. Not until the existence of black holes by Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose in the 1960s, after Einstein's death, was the theory revived. Almost one hundred years after general relativity replaced Newton's theory of gravitation, The Curious History of Relativity tells the story of both events surrounding general relativity and the techniques employed by Einstein and the relativists to construct, develop, and understand his almost impenetrable theory. Jean Eisenstaedt, one of the world's leading experts on the subject, also discusses the theory's place in the evolution of twentieth-century physics. He describes the main stages in the development of general relativity: its beginnings, its strange crossing of the desert during Einstein's lifetime while under heated criticism, and its new life from the 1960s on, when it became vital to the understanding of black holes and the observation of exotic objects, and, eventually, to the discovery of the accelerating universe. We witness Einstein's construction of his theory, as well as the work of his fascinated, discouraged, and enthusiastic colleagues--physicists, mathematicians, and astronomers. Written with flair, The Curious History of Relativity poses--and answers--the difficult questions raised by Einstein's magnificent intellectual feat.


Special Relativity: A First Encounter

Special Relativity: A First Encounter

Author: Domenico Giulini

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2011-04-07

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 0191620866

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Special relativity provides the foundations of our knowledge of space and time. Without it, our understanding of the world, and its place in the universe, would be unthinkable. This book gives a concise, elementary, yet exceptionally modern, introduction to special relativity. It is a gentle yet serious 'first encounter', in that it conveys a true understanding rather than purely reports the basic facts. Only very elementary mathematical knowledge is needed to master it (basic high-school maths), yet it will leave the reader with a sound understanding of the subject. Special Relativity: A First Encounter starts with a broad historical introduction and motivation of the basic notions. The central chapters are dedicated to special relativity, mainly following Einstein's historical route. Later chapters turn to various applications in all parts of physics and everyday life. Unlike other books on the subject, the current status of the experimental foundations of special relativity is accurately reported and the experiments explained. This book will appeal to anyone wanting a introduction to the subject, as well as being background reading for students beginning a course in physics.


Book Synopsis Special Relativity: A First Encounter by : Domenico Giulini

Download or read book Special Relativity: A First Encounter written by Domenico Giulini and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2011-04-07 with total page 177 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Special relativity provides the foundations of our knowledge of space and time. Without it, our understanding of the world, and its place in the universe, would be unthinkable. This book gives a concise, elementary, yet exceptionally modern, introduction to special relativity. It is a gentle yet serious 'first encounter', in that it conveys a true understanding rather than purely reports the basic facts. Only very elementary mathematical knowledge is needed to master it (basic high-school maths), yet it will leave the reader with a sound understanding of the subject. Special Relativity: A First Encounter starts with a broad historical introduction and motivation of the basic notions. The central chapters are dedicated to special relativity, mainly following Einstein's historical route. Later chapters turn to various applications in all parts of physics and everyday life. Unlike other books on the subject, the current status of the experimental foundations of special relativity is accurately reported and the experiments explained. This book will appeal to anyone wanting a introduction to the subject, as well as being background reading for students beginning a course in physics.


Einstein's 1912 Manuscript on the Special Theory of Relativity

Einstein's 1912 Manuscript on the Special Theory of Relativity

Author: Albert Einstein

Publisher:

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13:

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This tribute to Einstein's genius opens with a brief essay by Hanoch Gutfreund, a chronology of Einstein's life, a selection of quotes by Einstein, and, to introduce the manuscript, a detailed description of the manuscript, its contents, publication history, and provenance.


Book Synopsis Einstein's 1912 Manuscript on the Special Theory of Relativity by : Albert Einstein

Download or read book Einstein's 1912 Manuscript on the Special Theory of Relativity written by Albert Einstein and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This tribute to Einstein's genius opens with a brief essay by Hanoch Gutfreund, a chronology of Einstein's life, a selection of quotes by Einstein, and, to introduce the manuscript, a detailed description of the manuscript, its contents, publication history, and provenance.


The Road to Relativity

The Road to Relativity

Author: Hanoch Gutfreund

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2017-05-09

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 0691175810

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An annotated facsimile edition of Einstein's handwritten manuscript on the foundations of general relativity This richly annotated facsimile edition of "The Foundation of General Relativity" introduces a new generation of readers to Albert Einstein's theory of gravitation. Written in 1915, this remarkable document is a watershed in the history of physics and an enduring testament to the elegance and precision of Einstein's thought. Presented here is a beautiful facsimile of Einstein's original handwritten manuscript, along with its English translation and an insightful page-by-page commentary that places the work in historical and scientific context. Hanoch Gutfreund and Jürgen Renn's concise introduction traces Einstein's intellectual odyssey from special to general relativity, and their essay "The Charm of a Manuscript" provides a delightful meditation on the varied afterlife of Einstein's text. Featuring a foreword by John Stachel, this handsome edition also includes a biographical glossary of the figures discussed in the book, a comprehensive bibliography, suggestions for further reading, and numerous photos and illustrations throughout.


Book Synopsis The Road to Relativity by : Hanoch Gutfreund

Download or read book The Road to Relativity written by Hanoch Gutfreund and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2017-05-09 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An annotated facsimile edition of Einstein's handwritten manuscript on the foundations of general relativity This richly annotated facsimile edition of "The Foundation of General Relativity" introduces a new generation of readers to Albert Einstein's theory of gravitation. Written in 1915, this remarkable document is a watershed in the history of physics and an enduring testament to the elegance and precision of Einstein's thought. Presented here is a beautiful facsimile of Einstein's original handwritten manuscript, along with its English translation and an insightful page-by-page commentary that places the work in historical and scientific context. Hanoch Gutfreund and Jürgen Renn's concise introduction traces Einstein's intellectual odyssey from special to general relativity, and their essay "The Charm of a Manuscript" provides a delightful meditation on the varied afterlife of Einstein's text. Featuring a foreword by John Stachel, this handsome edition also includes a biographical glossary of the figures discussed in the book, a comprehensive bibliography, suggestions for further reading, and numerous photos and illustrations throughout.


Special Relativity

Special Relativity

Author: Michael Tsamparlis

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-05-17

Total Pages: 605

ISBN-13: 3642038379

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Writing a new book on the classic subject of Special Relativity, on which numerous important physicists have contributed and many books have already been written, can be like adding another epicycle to the Ptolemaic cosmology. Furthermore, it is our belief that if a book has no new elements, but simply repeats what is written in the existing literature, perhaps with a different style, then this is not enough to justify its publication. However, after having spent a number of years, both in class and research with relativity, I have come to the conclusion that there exists a place for a new book. Since it appears that somewhere along the way, mathem- ics may have obscured and prevailed to the degree that we tend to teach relativity (and I believe, theoretical physics) simply using “heavier” mathematics without the inspiration and the mastery of the classic physicists of the last century. Moreover current trends encourage the application of techniques in producing quick results and not tedious conceptual approaches resulting in long-lasting reasoning. On the other hand, physics cannot be done a ́ la carte stripped from philosophy, or, to put it in a simple but dramatic context A building is not an accumulation of stones! As a result of the above, a major aim in the writing of this book has been the distinction between the mathematics of Minkowski space and the physics of r- ativity.


Book Synopsis Special Relativity by : Michael Tsamparlis

Download or read book Special Relativity written by Michael Tsamparlis and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-05-17 with total page 605 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Writing a new book on the classic subject of Special Relativity, on which numerous important physicists have contributed and many books have already been written, can be like adding another epicycle to the Ptolemaic cosmology. Furthermore, it is our belief that if a book has no new elements, but simply repeats what is written in the existing literature, perhaps with a different style, then this is not enough to justify its publication. However, after having spent a number of years, both in class and research with relativity, I have come to the conclusion that there exists a place for a new book. Since it appears that somewhere along the way, mathem- ics may have obscured and prevailed to the degree that we tend to teach relativity (and I believe, theoretical physics) simply using “heavier” mathematics without the inspiration and the mastery of the classic physicists of the last century. Moreover current trends encourage the application of techniques in producing quick results and not tedious conceptual approaches resulting in long-lasting reasoning. On the other hand, physics cannot be done a ́ la carte stripped from philosophy, or, to put it in a simple but dramatic context A building is not an accumulation of stones! As a result of the above, a major aim in the writing of this book has been the distinction between the mathematics of Minkowski space and the physics of r- ativity.


The Special Theory of Relativity

The Special Theory of Relativity

Author: David Bohm

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9780415148092

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The book presents the theory of relativity as a unified whole. By showing that the concepts of this theory are interrelated to form a unified totality David Bohm supplements some of the more specialist courses which have tended to give students a fragmentary impression of the logical and conceptual nature of physics as a whole.


Book Synopsis The Special Theory of Relativity by : David Bohm

Download or read book The Special Theory of Relativity written by David Bohm and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 1996 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book presents the theory of relativity as a unified whole. By showing that the concepts of this theory are interrelated to form a unified totality David Bohm supplements some of the more specialist courses which have tended to give students a fragmentary impression of the logical and conceptual nature of physics as a whole.


The Theory of Relativity

The Theory of Relativity

Author: Qing-Ping Ma

Publisher: Nova Science Publishers

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781628087468

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The theory of relativity has been hailed as one of the two most important scientific discoveries in the 20th century. This book presents a comprehensive introduction and analysis of the special theory of relativity and its logical and experimental foundations. It explains in detail the basic principles of the relativity theory, introduces all the important experiments and examines the logic in the reasoning of relativistic results and conclusions. The two fundamental postulates, the principle of relativity and the constancy of the speed of light, are extensively discussed in relation to historical and modern experimental findings. The interpretations of all important experimental results in the history of special relativity and the derivations of key theoretical results in special relativity are scrutinized for their logical consistency, uniqueness to special relativity, and simplicity in explanation compared with competing theories. The ten chapters of this book cover 1) the two postulates, their experimental evidence and logical foundation; 2) the Michelson-Morley experiment and all other important experiments on the speed of light and the medium of light including stellar aberration, the Fizeau experiment, Trouton experiment, Trouton-Noble experiment, Sagnac experiment, Kennedy-Thorndike experiment, Ives-Stilwell experiment, and many modern experiments; 3) the derivation of the Lorentz transformation; 4) the variables in the Lorentz transformation and the principle of relativity; 5) time dilation, its experimental evidence and the twin paradox; 6) length contraction and length paradoxes; 7) motion mass and its derivation, relativistic momentum and experimental evidence; 8) mass-energy relation, its derivation and experimental evidence; 9) time and simultaneity; 10) test theories and experimental verification of special relativity. This book is suitable for both academics and students in science and philosophy and other readers who are interested in physics and its associated philosophical issues; space-time theories; the logical foundation of scientific discoveries; the history of science; the methodology of science, especially researchers and students in physics and the philosophy of science.


Book Synopsis The Theory of Relativity by : Qing-Ping Ma

Download or read book The Theory of Relativity written by Qing-Ping Ma and published by Nova Science Publishers. This book was released on 2013 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The theory of relativity has been hailed as one of the two most important scientific discoveries in the 20th century. This book presents a comprehensive introduction and analysis of the special theory of relativity and its logical and experimental foundations. It explains in detail the basic principles of the relativity theory, introduces all the important experiments and examines the logic in the reasoning of relativistic results and conclusions. The two fundamental postulates, the principle of relativity and the constancy of the speed of light, are extensively discussed in relation to historical and modern experimental findings. The interpretations of all important experimental results in the history of special relativity and the derivations of key theoretical results in special relativity are scrutinized for their logical consistency, uniqueness to special relativity, and simplicity in explanation compared with competing theories. The ten chapters of this book cover 1) the two postulates, their experimental evidence and logical foundation; 2) the Michelson-Morley experiment and all other important experiments on the speed of light and the medium of light including stellar aberration, the Fizeau experiment, Trouton experiment, Trouton-Noble experiment, Sagnac experiment, Kennedy-Thorndike experiment, Ives-Stilwell experiment, and many modern experiments; 3) the derivation of the Lorentz transformation; 4) the variables in the Lorentz transformation and the principle of relativity; 5) time dilation, its experimental evidence and the twin paradox; 6) length contraction and length paradoxes; 7) motion mass and its derivation, relativistic momentum and experimental evidence; 8) mass-energy relation, its derivation and experimental evidence; 9) time and simultaneity; 10) test theories and experimental verification of special relativity. This book is suitable for both academics and students in science and philosophy and other readers who are interested in physics and its associated philosophical issues; space-time theories; the logical foundation of scientific discoveries; the history of science; the methodology of science, especially researchers and students in physics and the philosophy of science.


Kinematics

Kinematics

Author: Alberto A. Martínez

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Published: 2009-07-13

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780801891359

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The field of kinematics—the science of motion—has long been neglected and misrepresented. Despite rich traditions rooted in ancient times, modern physical kinematics never became a professional discipline. No journals or academic societies were founded to support its development and study and most physicists took the science of motion for granted. Yet some came to doubt its very principles, even denouncing its basic language—coordinate algebra—as an impediment to scientific progress. In this unique and comprehensive history of kinematics, Alberto A. Martínez rescues the forgotten roots of this field that led to Einstein's theory of special relativity. Using clear explanations and accessible language, he analyzes the development of kinematics; explains how mathematics, engineering, philosophy, and psychology pulled it in divergent directions; and discusses why modern kinematics inherited old and unresolved ambiguities. All students of physics and general science study basic kinematics. Martínez draws from an unparalleled wealth of sources to demonstrate why it is essential to the study and evolution of physics today.


Book Synopsis Kinematics by : Alberto A. Martínez

Download or read book Kinematics written by Alberto A. Martínez and published by Johns Hopkins University Press. This book was released on 2009-07-13 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The field of kinematics—the science of motion—has long been neglected and misrepresented. Despite rich traditions rooted in ancient times, modern physical kinematics never became a professional discipline. No journals or academic societies were founded to support its development and study and most physicists took the science of motion for granted. Yet some came to doubt its very principles, even denouncing its basic language—coordinate algebra—as an impediment to scientific progress. In this unique and comprehensive history of kinematics, Alberto A. Martínez rescues the forgotten roots of this field that led to Einstein's theory of special relativity. Using clear explanations and accessible language, he analyzes the development of kinematics; explains how mathematics, engineering, philosophy, and psychology pulled it in divergent directions; and discusses why modern kinematics inherited old and unresolved ambiguities. All students of physics and general science study basic kinematics. Martínez draws from an unparalleled wealth of sources to demonstrate why it is essential to the study and evolution of physics today.