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| View Larger Image | The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us
by Dr. Louis Jagerman M.D.
| | List Price: | $33.50 |  | | Available: | Usually ships in 24 hours | | | | | Sales Rank: | 100081 | | Studio: | Trafford Publishing | | | Binding: | Paperback | | Number Of Pages: | 454 | | Publication Date: | February 23, 2001 | | Publisher: | Trafford Publishing |
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS |
Product Description
The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us provides a detailed explanation of relativity, particularly its mathematics, designed for the non-professional audience. The subject is developed from basic principles and observations in physics and mathematics, starting with algebra and geometry as taught in thorough high school courses. On the premise that this background suffices to build an appreciation and understanding of the subject, the crucial concepts are spelled out, and the key derivations are disclosed step-by-step.
The relativity of time, space, and mass is covered first, giving some attention to the history of the two main divisions of relativity, the special and the general. Once special relativity and its mathematics are established, general relativity is covered, beginning with its relationship to Newton's laws and advancing through its revolutionary concepts as well as its mathematics.
This process is carried all the way to the level of tensor equations. The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us treats topics such as: The constant speed of light, the invariant laws of physics, the basis and meaning of the equation E = mc2, the nature of curved four-dimensional space-time, the importance of non-Euclidean geometry, the gravitational bending of light, experimental confirmation of relativity, the philosophical and intellectual appeal of relativity, the nature of black holes, and the cosmologic significance of relativity -- both as concepts and as mathematical issues.
As a result the sufficiently attentive reader is set at ease with the reputedly incomprehensible but essential details about relativity. Even subjects such as "tensor calculus" and the "covariant partially differential field equations of general relativity" will be clear. For instance such a reader will know just what a "tensor" is, why the equations are "covariant," why they are "partially differential," why they are "field" equations, why relativity can be "general," and most importantly just what is meant by "relativity." Furthermore, if a reader is shown the fundamental equation of general relativity,
Rik - 1/2gikR = -XTik
he or she will understand what every term of this equation means, why each is included, what obstacles Einstein and his colleagues overcame to derive each term, what impact this equation has on modern science, and why this equation revolutionized our understanding of our universe.
The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us also devotes a chapter to the relationship between relativity and quantum mechanics. It reveals the limitations of relativity and the direction of future work in this branch of science. The chapter concludes with the role of string theory in reconciling relativity and quantum mechanics. |
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 7 reviews)
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Relativity mathematics 
Mathematics of relativity--for me. Takes concentration but the material is there for those willing to work.
July 29, 2008 | |
Relativity Understandable
I have bought dozens of books, and some are appealing for the first few chapters and then the focus is lost in the jungle. I laugh when I read this book because Dr. Jagerman makes relativity seem as easy as brushing your teeth. He goes over the topics over and over, page after page, the same stories, but nobody else will do this and this is the best part of the book especially if your a self learner. For example, he drives home geodesics from every angle and after a few days you finally get the hold of it. Its ok to read a few books on relativity for openers to get a feel for some of it, but this book should be one of the first you read if you want to learn relativity quick.
May 31, 2008 | |
Excellent
This is a superb example of how one can successfully explain abstract mathematics in a fluid and clear manner. The book is heavy on words compared to the number of equations, but that is how it should be. By that, I mean that Dr. Jagerman explains in detail the meaning behind the equations, so that when it's time to work an example, the user's intuition is sharpened. The purchasers of this book should not be fooled into thinking they can learn relativity in a week's time though, the book is over 400 pages long. However, motivated learners will find this text an enjoyable experience to read and learn from, much different than the 'dry' mathematics books which currently bore students in today's universities. The 400 pages pack a lot of substance into the material, unlike the other books on the market that promise to 'demystify' or 'make simple' difficult abstract topics like relativity or quantum mechanics.
This would be an excellent book along with Julian Barbour's "The End of Time," as the latter text is highly insightful into the minds of Einstein and the founders of quantum mechanics, with numerous historical anecdotes into what those scientists were most likely thinking as they formulated their theories.
Lastly, for the potential buyers of this book with 'math anxiety', I recommend they start with "The Cosmic Frontiers of General Relativity," by Willam J. Kaufman. This book is somewhat dated, as it was published in 1977, and is hard to find at on-line book dealers, but libraries tend to have it in stock. Reading Kaufman's book is a good way to whet one's curiousity, as it is written for the layperson with many illustrations of the concepts.
May 09, 2008 | |
New insights
This was the book I was looking for before I read Hartle, Schultz, McMahon and Penrose. Jagerman presents relativity in a conversational and understandable level so that the reader lacking a math or physics degree can grasp some fairly difficult concepts. It amazes me that Hawking can be a best selling author when there is a book like this available. While Jagerman's book lacks the glossy pages and more sophisticated illustrations of other best sellers, I urge anyone interested in relativity to pick up "The Mathematics of Relativity..." You will not be disappointed! Thank you Dr. Jagerman.
April 09, 2008 | |
best book on the subject
I am a "motivated and attentive reader", trying to appreciate the meaning of relativity for so many years, with frustrating results. And yes, I'm full of books explaining relativity,from popular to technical texts, never reaching the goal. This is the book I was looking for, a book anyone can understand, a step by step guide to the mind of the Master.
June 27, 2007 | |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS |
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