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edpell
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I think I need a good book(s) on SR. Please let me know which you think are good. Thanks.
George Jones said:I third Taylor and Wheeler, but I like the (red) paperback version of the first edition. I forget why I prefer the first edition over later later edition(s)
I'll second the recommendation for both of Mermin's books. They sit side by side on my shelf.Daverz said:To the books already mentioned, I'd add N. David Mermin's Space and Time in Special Relativity. This was updated (or watered down depending on your perspective) as
It's About Time: Understanding Einstein's Relativity.
The theory of special relativity is a fundamental theory in physics that explains the relationship between space and time. It was developed by Albert Einstein in 1905 and is based on the concept that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.
The key principles of special relativity include the principle of relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, and the principle of the constancy of the speed of light, which states that the speed of light is the same for all observers regardless of their relative motion.
Special relativity differs from classical mechanics in several ways. Classical mechanics assumes that time and space are absolute, while special relativity shows that they are relative and can be affected by an observer's relative motion. Additionally, classical mechanics does not account for the effects of high speeds on objects, while special relativity does.
Some practical applications of special relativity include GPS technology, which relies on the precise timing of signals from satellites to determine location, and particle accelerators, which use the principles of special relativity to achieve high speeds and energies for particle collisions.
Yes, there is extensive experimental evidence that supports special relativity. Some key examples include the Michelson-Morley experiment, which demonstrated the constancy of the speed of light, and the observation of time dilation in experiments using atomic clocks on high-speed airplanes and satellites. Additionally, the predictions of special relativity have been consistently verified through numerous experiments and observations in various fields of physics.