Relativity: A Very Short Introduction100 years ago, Einstein's theory of relativity shattered the world of physics. Our comforting Newtonian ideas of space and time were replaced by bizarre and counterintuitive conclusions: if you move at high speed, time slows down, space squashes up and you get heavier; travel fast enough and you could weigh as much as a jumbo jet, be squashed thinner than a CD without feeling a thing - and live for ever. And that was just the Special Theory. With the General Theory came even stranger ideas of curved space-time, and changed our understanding of gravity and the cosmos. This authoritative and entertaining Very Short Introduction makes the theory of relativity accessible and understandable. Using very little mathematics, Russell Stannard explains the important concepts of relativity, from E=mc2 to black holes, and explores the theory's impact on science and on our understanding of the universe. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
acceleration According appear arrive astronaut astronaut's clock axis beam Big Bang black hole centre conclude controller's clock craft curvature of space dark energy dilation dimension distant observer earth effect Einstein electromagnetic electrons emitted energy density equation equivalence principle event horizon existence expected Figure flat four-dimensional spacetime frame of reference free fall frequency galaxy clusters geodesic geometry gravitating bodies gravitational field gravitational redshift gravitational waves gravity force happening idea inertial frame inertial observers journey kilometres kinetic energy length contraction light pulse matter metres mission controller momentum moving muons normal object orbit overall path perihelion physicist planet present instant principle of relativity pulse of light quasars radiation rear region rest mass rocket rotating solar masses space-time diagram spacecraft spacetime spatial Special relativity speed of light sphere stationary straight line surface target theory of relativity three-dimensional space triangle twin paradox two-dimensional velocity virtual particles world line zero