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Chow introduces the mathematical methods essential to understanding and applying general relativity--tensor calculus, some differential geometry, etc.--but leaves to more advanced references derivations that a beginning student would likely find overly long and tedious. I like the fact that the author employs standard tensor analysis--which requires only basic calculus for its understanding--and resists the temptation to adopt more powerful mathematical formalisms (like exterior calculus and differential forms) used by researchers in the field. In this way, the student can concentrate on learning physics--and not be distracted by the complexities of unfamiliar mathematical methods.
The book also offers comprehensive discussion of the physics of black holes. Here again the author has hit just the right level of presentation: sufficient mathematical detail to demonstrate or make plausible the physical attributes of black holes (...in contrast to "hand-waving" discussions found in popularisations of the subject), yet not so much mathematics as to lose track of the physics in an impenetrable forest of equations. An equally strong point is the author's discussion of the most exciting contemporary issues in astrophysics apart from black holes: recent measurements of the cosmic microwave background, the existence of the cosmological constant, dark matter, dark energy and the accelerated expansion of the universe. The final chapters on unification and inflation are also very well done and not generally found (as far as I can tell) in other introductory treatments of general relativity.
In sum, the book is highly informative and has a user-friendly style, which should make it an attractive choice for teachers and students.
List of contents
Basic Ideas of General Relativity.- Curvilinear Coordinates and General Tensors.- Einstein's Law of Gravitation.- The Schwarzschild Solution.- Experimental Tests of Einstein's Theory.- The Physics of Black Holes.- to Cosmology.- Big Bang Models.- Particles, Forces, and Unification of Forces.- The Inflationary Universe.- The Physics of the Very Early Universe.
About the author
Tai L. Chow is Professor of Physics at California State University, Stanislaus. He has written a successful text on Mathematical Methods with Cambridge University Press:
Chow, Mathematical Methods for Physicists: A Concise Introduction (Cambridge, ISBN 0521655447 , 555 pp., Hardcover, $58.00 [Hardcover: $120.00], 7/2000)
Summary
Professor Tai Chow presents the most exciting topics in contemporary astrophysics and lays out the basic ideas of Einstein, including his law of gravitation. He explains the physics behind black holes, and weaves into this an absorbing account of the structure of the universe and the science of cosmology, including presenting the various models of the Big Bang, the Inflationary Universe, and the Unification of Forces. Travel with the author down this engaging path to reach some fascinating conclusions, which raise even more interesting questions for the future of astronomy and physics. The book’s highly informative and user-friendly style will make it an attractive choice for teachers and students.
Additional text
From the reviews:
"Chow … has successfully filled the gap in the literature between introductory texts for lay readers interested in cosmology and advanced works. Chow’s book is aimed at undergraduates but is accessible to all readers … . Chapters can stand alone for quick reference, yet the book’s progressive nature makes it a viable course resource for supporting all physics curricula. … this work will be suitable for all science libraries and collections. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through graduate students." (J. H. Murphy, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (8), 2008)
"This book has its roots in the lecture notes of Professor Chow, who taught an undergraduate course in relativity and cosmology … . I was interested by the ideas and the historical aspects developed … on the inflationary universe and the physics of the very early universe. … The book may be useful for general information on cosmology and to a physicist already well prepared in general relativity and cosmology to prepare a course on these subjects." (Fernande Grandjean, Belgian Physical Society Magazine, Issue 2, June, 2009)
Report
From the reviews:
"Chow ... has successfully filled the gap in the literature between introductory texts for lay readers interested in cosmology and advanced works. Chow's book is aimed at undergraduates but is accessible to all readers ... . Chapters can stand alone for quick reference, yet the book's progressive nature makes it a viable course resource for supporting all physics curricula. ... this work will be suitable for all science libraries and collections. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates through graduate students." (J. H. Murphy, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (8), 2008)
"This book has its roots in the lecture notes of Professor Chow, who taught an undergraduate course in relativity and cosmology ... . I was interested by the ideas and the historical aspects developed ... on the inflationary universe and the physics of the very early universe. ... The book may be useful for general information on cosmology and to a physicist already well prepared in general relativity and cosmology to prepare a course on these subjects." (Fernande Grandjean, Belgian Physical Society Magazine, Issue 2, June, 2009)
