Time Travel & Theory of Relativity for HS Students

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around identifying a specific book on the theory of relativity and time travel aimed at high school students. Key features of the book include discussions on time travel, mass changes as speed approaches light, and the concept of tachyons related to backward time travel. The book employs simple mathematics, not exceeding algebra 2, and includes the use of imaginary numbers. Participants suggest potential titles, including "Very Special Relativity: An Illustrated Guide" by Prof Sander Bais and a book by Mallet, both of which may fit the described criteria.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly relativity
  • Familiarity with algebra 2 mathematics
  • Knowledge of imaginary numbers and their applications in physics
  • Concept of frames of reference in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Very Special Relativity: An Illustrated Guide" by Prof Sander Bais
  • Explore Mallet's book on relativity for high school students
  • Study the concept of tachyons and their implications in theoretical physics
  • Investigate the mathematical foundations of relativity, focusing on algebraic applications
USEFUL FOR

High school students, educators in physics, and anyone interested in introductory concepts of relativity and time travel.

ScienceMan
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Hey guys I have an issue I was wondering if you could help me with. There was a book in my high school library about the theory of relativity and time travel. I'm trying to find it again but the fact that I don't have a title for it is making things difficult. (For the record I'm long graduated from the school so asking the librarian isn't an option). I was wondering if anyone here would know the book.

The book seemed to be aimed at high school students. It discussed the possibility of time travel both forwards and backwards (I don't remember what it said about backwards). I'm pretty sure it discussed mass changes as the speed of light approaches as well. Tachyons are discussed in the backwards time travel part. The book has equations in it but the math was pretty simple. Nothing higher than algebra 2 math. Imaginary numbers were used, but I don't quite remember how. It might have been imaginary mass for faster than light stuff. Anyway, that's what I know about the book. It seemed to be pretty low level, just a friendly guide for a high school student. The book would have had to have been published before 2009-2010ish. Oh, and it also uses frames of reference a lot. If anyone knows a book that fits that description it would be great because I've been trying to find that book for a while now.
 
Last edited:
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Thank you. Very Special Relativity: An Illustrated Guide might be it. I'll look for that. I'll probably only know for sure once I open it and read it myself.
 

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