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This textbook introduces special relativity with a focus on a profound understanding of the physics behind the theory. The main part of the book is targeted to undergraduates, for physics education, for undergraduate students in natural sciences in general, and even to interested laypersons. To serve these target groups, the book uses only basic mathematics and, in contrast to many other introductions to special relativity, the book is based on a pedagogical approach that relies on geometry and space-time diagrams to make the surprising predictions of the theory particularly clear. Special relativity is a geometric theory, and space-time diagrams are an efficient and easily understandable way to comprehend its implications.
The textbook, however, is also suitable for advanced students and enthusiasts that already learned the basics of the special theory of relativity and want to know more. Special digression sections provide plenty of interesting material. Carefully selected problems with solutions and in-depth explanations for all key experiments help deepen the knowledge.
List of contents
Introduction.- The limits of classical mechanics.- The relativity principle of classical mechanics.- Waves and light.- The unsuccessful quest for the absolute inertial frame.- Einstein's solution: the special theory of relativity.- Relativity of simultaneity.- Length contraction.- Time dilatation.- Relativistic addition of velocities.- The Lorentz transformation.- Energy and momentum.- Electrodynamics.- Résumé.- Bibliography.- Index.
About the author
Dr. Thomas Strohm received his Ph.D. in theoretical solid-state physics from the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany. His research focus was high-temperature superconductors. Already during his studies, he enjoyed explaining physics to his university fellows and conducted extensive teaching. Since the turn of the millennium, he works at Corporate Research of Robert Bosch GmbH, first in software engineering research, and since a few years in quantum technologies. As Chief Expert of Quantum Technologies, one of his favourites is to extend his teaching expertise by explaining "the quantum" to a broad range of academics from other disciplines. In his spare time, he thought a lot about the structure of physical theories and how to explain those, including the special theory of relativity. This is where this book originated from. Strohm is also Vice President and co-founder of the European Quantum Industry Consortium e.V. (QuIC), a broad European industry association with the goal to strengthen the quantum technologies ecosystem in Europe.
