Struggling with relativistic mechanics questions, need a textbook recommended

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a second-year undergraduate physics student struggling with relativistic mechanics due to inadequate instruction and missed classes. Participants recommend several textbooks that cover essential concepts such as length contraction and time dilation, specifically highlighting "Introduction to Modern Physics" by Kenneth S. Krane, "Fundamentals of Physics" by David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker, and "Spacetime Physics" by Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler. These resources are deemed effective for grasping the foundational principles of relativity and solving related problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as velocity and acceleration
  • Familiarity with mathematical tools including algebra and calculus
  • Knowledge of classical mechanics principles
  • Basic comprehension of modern physics topics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Introduction to Modern Physics" by Kenneth S. Krane for foundational relativity concepts
  • Explore "Spacetime Physics" by Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler for a focused approach on relativity
  • Watch YouTube video series on special relativity for visual and practical understanding
  • Participate in homework forums for problem-solving assistance and peer support
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for second-year undergraduate physics students, educators seeking effective teaching resources, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of relativistic mechanics.

alexis12
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I have never done relativity before, my uni professor isn't good enough and I can't understand a word he says, he's all over the place.

Anyway I missed a week due to being sick, and I just can't catch up, I am struggling to find any textbooks that have similar notation or help me solve problems. They all assume I understand things like length contraction, time dilation, proper length, etc.

This is an example of the simplest questions we have been asked: http://i.imgur.com/lHtbXPU.jpg

What textbook, youtube video series, or whatever can I watch to catch up and learn about relativity? This is second year undergraduate physics.
 
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alexis12 said:
This is an example of the simplest questions we have been asked: http://i.imgur.com/lHtbXPU.jpg
It's OK to post that as an example of the sort of coursework that you're dealng with, but if you actually want help solving those particular problems, you'll get more support and help from the homework forums.
 
The level of material in those questions corresponds to a second-year "introductory modern physics" course such as is commonly taught at universities in the US. Books for these courses have a chapter or two about special relativity: length contraction, time dilation, relativistic energy and momentum. Examples:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471828726/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0072448482/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0534417817/?tag=pfamazon01-20

A classic book that's just about relativity:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716723271/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks guys, I aced the test, it all seems to easy to me now.
 

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