
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Dynamics and Relativity provides undergraduates in physics with an unusually accessible introduction to special relativity by emphasizing the connections between relativity and classical mechanics. The book begins by developing classical mechanics in a form that the author calls "Galilean Relativity," which emphasizes frames of reference. The author shows how a problem formulated in one frame of reference can then solved in another where the problem takes a simpler form. After applying this strategy to a number of classical problems, the author discusses the limitations of Galilean Relativity, particularly for handling Maxwell's equations, and then proceeds to develop Special Relativity while drawing extensively on the groundwork from the previous chapters. The book stresses conservation laws throughout and includes a final chapter that briefly outlines General Relativity.
This text investigates the conceptual transition from classical mechanics to special relativity by highlighting the underlying continuity of physical laws across different frames of reference. William David McComb, a physicist with extensive experience in the field, utilizes a pedagogical approach that frames classical mechanics as 'Galilean Relativity' to prepare students for the more complex requirements of Einsteinian physics. By focusing on conservation laws and the utility of reference frame transformation, the author provides a structured framework for understanding how physical problems are simplified through mathematical shifts in perspective.
What You Will Find
Physics educators frequently cite this text for its clear, logical progression from classical to relativistic mechanics. It is widely regarded as a helpful resource for undergraduate students seeking to bridge the gap between Newtonian concepts and modern physical theories.
Page Count:
392
Publication Date:
2099-11-30
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0198501137
ISBN-13:
9780198501138
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!