Education in Relativity Theory

In summary, an undergraduate level book that is helpful is "Relativity for the Questioning Mind" by David Styer. Another great resource is "Special Relativity" by Michael Frayn. Concepts of general relativity can be found in "Einstein's General Relativity" by Leonard Susskind and "Gravity: An Introduction" by Leonard Susskind.
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witchesofus
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I've been trying to teach myself some of the basics about relativity and other branches of physics theory, but I don't exactly know where to begin. I've read about and understand the basics, but I was wondering if you had suggestions: books, online articles, etc (undergraduate level, please!).

Thanks so much.
 
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  • #2
Good online stuff:

http://www.oberlin.edu/physics/dstyer/Einstein/SRBook.pdf -- "Relativity for the Questioning Mind", nice Q&A style book

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special_Relativity -- another good intro with a lot of helpful stuff about spacetime diagrams

http://www.einstein-online.info/elementary and http://www.einstein-online.info/spotlights -- conceptual introductions to both special and general relativity

http://www.upscale.utoronto.ca/PVB/Relativity.html -- Physics virtual bookshelf section on relativity, lots of good articles

http://www.pitt.edu/~jdnorton/teaching/HPS_0410/index.html -- series of illustrated lectures, "Einstein for Everyone".

For books, Relativity from A to B by Robert Geroch is a good conceptual intro, some good undergrad textbooks are https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393097935/?tag=pfamazon01-20 and https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716723271/?tag=pfamazon01-20, and https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521141001/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (haven't read this one yet as it just came out, but was admiring the illustrated approach in the sample pages on google books). For a popular introduction to the ideas of general relativity, https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393312763/?tag=pfamazon01-20 is very good.
 
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JesseM said:
Good online stuff:

http://www.oberlin.edu/physics/dstyer/Einstein/SRBook.pdf -- "Relativity for the Questioning Mind", nice Q&A style book

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special_Relativity -- another good intro with a lot of helpful stuff about spacetime diagrams

http://www.einstein-online.info/elementary and http://www.einstein-online.info/spotlights -- conceptual introductions to both special and general relativity

http://www.upscale.utoronto.ca/PVB/Relativity.html -- Physics virtual bookshelf section on relativity, lots of good articles

http://www.pitt.edu/~jdnorton/teaching/HPS_0410/index.html -- series of illustrated lectures, "Einstein for Everyone".

For books, https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226288641/?tag=pfamazon01-20 is a good conceptual intro, some good undergrad textbooks are https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393097935/?tag=pfamazon01-20 and https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716723271/?tag=pfamazon01-20, and https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521141001/?tag=pfamazon01-20 (haven't read this one yet as it just came out, but was admiring the illustrated approach in the sample pages on google books). For a popular introduction to the ideas of general relativity, https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393312763/?tag=pfamazon01-20 is very good.

Wow Jesse! That is very helpful :smile: Thanks!
 
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I also really like Leonard Susskind's lectures on YouTube.
 
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Wow. This is really, really helpful! Thank you! I'm definitely going to try to wade my way through all that!
 

FAQ: Education in Relativity Theory

What is Relativity Theory?

Relativity Theory is a scientific theory proposed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It is a theory that explains the relationship between space, time, and gravity. It has two parts: the Special Theory of Relativity, which deals with objects moving at constant speeds, and the General Theory of Relativity, which includes the effects of gravity on objects.

What is the importance of Education in Relativity Theory?

Education in Relativity Theory is important because it helps us understand the fundamental principles of the universe. It allows us to comprehend the nature of space, time, and gravity and how they interact with each other. This knowledge has led to important advancements in physics and has practical applications in fields such as astronomy and navigation.

What are the key concepts in Relativity Theory?

The key concepts in Relativity Theory include the concepts of space-time, the speed of light, and the principle of equivalence. Space-time is the four-dimensional fabric of the universe, where the three dimensions of space are combined with the dimension of time. The speed of light is the maximum speed at which anything in the universe can travel. The principle of equivalence states that the effects of gravity are equivalent to the effects of acceleration.

How does Relativity Theory differ from classical physics?

Relativity Theory differs from classical physics in several ways. Classical physics is based on the principles of absolute space and time, while Relativity Theory considers space and time to be relative. Classical physics also does not take into account the effects of gravity on the movement of objects, while Relativity Theory explains gravity as the curvature of space-time caused by massive objects.

Is it necessary to have a background in mathematics to understand Relativity Theory?

While a background in mathematics can certainly aid in understanding Relativity Theory, it is not necessary. The basic concepts of the theory can be understood without a strong mathematical background. However, as one delves deeper into the theory, mathematical equations and concepts become more important in fully grasping the intricacies of Relativity Theory.

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