Recommendations for textbook on relativity?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on recommendations for a supplementary textbook on special relativity that aligns with the formalism used in Jackson's "Classical Electrodynamics," specifically chapters 11 and 12. A. O. Barut's "Electrodynamics and Classical Theory of Fields and Particles" is suggested as a detailed yet inexpensive option, although it does not cover general relativity. Additionally, Rindler's "Relativity: Special, General, and Cosmological" is recommended for its comprehensive background on special relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with Jackson's "Classical Electrodynamics" (specifically chapters 11 and 12)
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts and terminology
  • Knowledge of covariant tensors and index notation
  • Basic principles of general relativity (for future reference)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research A. O. Barut's "Electrodynamics and Classical Theory of Fields and Particles" for detailed insights on electrodynamics.
  • Explore Rindler's "Relativity: Special, General, and Cosmological" for a comprehensive understanding of both special and general relativity.
  • Study covariant tensor calculus to enhance understanding of index gymnastics in relativity.
  • Investigate additional resources on general relativity for future learning opportunities.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of special relativity and its applications in electrodynamics.

ijzer
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi all,

I am currently working on chapters 11 and 12 of Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics and I have reached the conclusion that I need a supplementary textbook on relativity to fresh up my knowledge a bit.

Could someone recommend me a good textbook on special relativity that:

(a) Covers at the very least everything included in Jackson chapters 11 and 12.
(b) Uses the same formalism as Jackson.
(c) Has plenty of examples and (worked) problems especially on co(ntra)variant tensors and all the index gymnastics.
(d) Has some chapters on general relativity (for future use, not crucial).

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
An inexpensive Dover book that goes into great detail is
A. O. Barut, Electrodynamics and Classical Theory of Fields and Particles.. No GR, though. Useful background for QED.

For background on SR, I recommend Rindler, Relativity: Special, General, and Cosmological.
 

Similar threads

Relativity Looking for further Relativity textbooks
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Other A question about strange claims in some textbooks
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Best (or at least good) GR and SR textbook for a 15-year-old highschool student
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
Relativity Looking for a good introductory Tensor Analysis Textbook
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Intro Math Arithmetic/pre-algebra/basic geometry textbook recommendations
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Astronomy A free Modern Introduction to Astronomy textbook
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Classical What Are the Best Introductory Textbooks for a Self-Studying Physics Enthusiast?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
12K
Intro Physics Textbooks on Optics: Alternatives to Hetch-Zajac's "Optics"
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Quantum Recommended Textbooks for Quantum Field Theory and Antiparticles
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Zangwill vs. Jackson: Comparing Textbooks for Advanced EM
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
20K