Title
Einstein's Theory of Relativity,Used
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A book in which one great mind explains the work of another great mind in terms comprehensible to the layman is a significant achievement. This is such a book. Max Born is a Nobel Laureate (1955) and one of the world's great physicists: in this book he analyzes and interprets the theory of Einsteinian relativity. The result is undoubtedly the most lucid and insightful of all the books that have been written to explain the revolutionary theory that marked the end of the classical and the beginning of the modern era of physics.The author follows a quasihistorical method of presentation. The book begins with a review of the classical physics, covering such topics as origins of space and time measurements, geometric axioms, Ptolemaic and Copernican astronomy, concepts of equilibrium and force, laws of motion, inertia, mass, momentum and energy, Newtonian world system (absolute space and absolute time, gravitation, celestial mechanics, centrifugal forces, and absolute space), laws of optics (the corpuscular and undulatory theories, speed of light, wave theory, Doppler effect, convection of light by matter), electrodynamics (including magnetic induction, electromagnetic theory of light, electromagnetic ether, electromagnetic laws of moving bodies, electromagnetic mass, and the contraction hypothesis). Born then takes up his exposition of Einstein's special and general theories of relativity, discussing the concept of simultaneity, kinematics, Einstein's mechanics and dynamics, relativity of arbitrary motions, the principle of equivalence, the geometry of curved surfaces, and the spacetime continuum, among other topics. Born then points out some predictions of the theory of relativity and its implications for cosmology, and indicates what is being sought in the unified field theory.This account steers a middle course between vague popularizations and complex scientific presentations. This is a careful discussion of principles stated in thoroughly acceptable scientific form, yet in a manner that makes it possible for the reader who has no scientific training to understand it. Only high school algebra has been used in explaining the nature of classical physics and relativity, and simple experiments and diagrams are used to illustrate each step. The layman and the beginning student in physics will find this an immensely valuable and usable introduction to relativity. This Dover 1962 edition was greatly revised and enlarged by Dr. Born.
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- Q: What is the main focus of Einstein's Theory of Relativity? A: The book focuses on explaining Einstein's theories of special and general relativity, making complex concepts accessible to readers with no scientific background.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Max Born, a Nobel Laureate in Physics, who provides insightful analysis and interpretation of Einstein's work.
- Q: What level of mathematics is required to understand this book? A: Only high school algebra is required, making it suitable for laymen and beginning students in physics.
- Q: How does the book present the concepts of classical physics? A: The book begins with a historical review of classical physics, covering essential topics like motion, force, and energy before transitioning to relativity.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in physics? A: Yes, it is designed to be a valuable introduction for those with no prior knowledge of physics.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: When was this edition of the book published? A: This revised edition was published on June 1, 1962.
- Q: How many pages are in this book? A: The book contains 400 pages.
- Q: What key topics are covered in the discussions of relativity? A: Key topics include simultaneity, kinematics, the principle of equivalence, and the geometry of curved surfaces.
- Q: Does the book include illustrations or diagrams? A: Yes, simple experiments and diagrams are used throughout the book to illustrate concepts.