Springer, 2023. — 347 p. — ISBN 978-3-031-21923-8.
This textbook introduces special relativity with a focus on a profound understanding of the physics behind the theory. The main part of the book is targeted to undergraduates, for physics education, for undergraduate students in natural sciences in general, and even to interested laypersons. To serve these target groups, the book uses only basic mathematics and, in contrast to many other introductions to special relativity, the book is based on a pedagogical approach that relies on geometry and space-time diagrams to make the surprising predictions of the theory particularly clear. Special relativity is a geometric theory, and space-time diagrams are an efficient and easily understandable way to comprehend its implications.
The textbook, however, is also suitable for advanced students and enthusiasts that already learned the basics of the special theory of relativity and want to know more. Special digression sections provide plenty of interesting material. Carefully selected problems with solutions and in-depth explanations for all key experiments help deepen the knowledge.
Introduction
The Limits of Classical Mechanics
The Relativity Principle of Classical Mechanics
Waves and Light
The Unsuccessful Hunt for the Special Inertial Frame
Einstein’s Solution: The Special Theory of Relativity (SR)
Relativity of Simultaneity
Length Contraction
Time Dilation
Lorentzian Addition of Velocities
The Lorentz Transformation: Derivation
The Lorentz Transformation: Applications
Energy and Momentum
Electrodynamics
Towards General Relativity
Summary