Flat and Curved Space-Times

by ; ;
Edition: 2nd
Format: Hardcover
Pub. Date: 2001-01-11
Publisher(s): Oxford University Press
List Price: $218.66

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Summary

The present book explains special relativity and the basics of general relativity from a geometric viewpoint. Space-time geometry is emphasized throughout, and provides the basis of understanding of the special relativity effects of time dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity. Bondi's K-calculus is introduced as a simple means of calculating the magnitudes of these effects, and leads to a derivation of the Lorentz transformation as a way of unifying these results. The invariant interval of flat space-time is generalised to that of curved space-times, and leads to an understanding of the basic properties of simple cosmological models and of the collapse of a star to form a black hole. The appendices enable the advanced student to master the application of four-tensors to the relativistic study of energy and momentum, and of electromagnetism. In addition, this new edition contains up-to-date information on black holes, gravitational collapse, and cosmology.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1(4)
Space--time diagrams and the foundations of special relativity
5(30)
The concept of a space--time
5(7)
Causality and the speed of light
12(12)
Relative motion in special relativity
24(11)
Fundamentals of measurement
35(14)
Time
35(2)
Distance
37(4)
Simultaneity
41(3)
World maps, world pictures, and radar maps
44(5)
Measurements in flat space--times
49(73)
The Doppler effect
49(10)
Relative velocity
59(11)
Simultaneity
70(6)
Time dilation
76(12)
Length contraction
88(8)
The whole package of kinematic effects
96(6)
Relativistic dynamics
102(18)
The consistency of physics
120(2)
The Lorentz transformation and the invariant interval
122(64)
The Lorentz transformation
122(17)
Space--time separation invariants
139(23)
Some flat-space universes
162(24)
Curved space--times
186(54)
The general concept
186(3)
Acceleration and gravitation: the principle of equivalence
189(6)
Freely falling motion and the meaning of geodesics
195(6)
The metric form and the metric tensor
201(5)
The field equations
206(3)
Light rays
209(8)
Causality
217(2)
Parallel propagation along a curve
219(3)
Further tests of Einstein's theory
222(4)
Gravitational waves
226(3)
Detection of gravitational waves
229(3)
Alternative theories and approaches
232(8)
Spherical and stellar collapse
240(24)
The Schwarzschild solution
240(9)
Spherical collapse to black holes
249(6)
More general black holes
255(2)
Black hole evaporation and thermodynamics
257(3)
Black hole candidates and ways of detecting them
260(4)
Simple cosmological models
264(49)
Space--time geometry
264(7)
The evolution of the universe
271(6)
Observable quantities
277(7)
New observational data
284(9)
The light cone, observational limits, and horizons
293(8)
Steady-state and inflationary universes
301(4)
Small universes
305(3)
Alternative universes
308(3)
Observational tests
311(2)
Finale
313(2)
Afterword 315(53)
Appendices
A. Line integrals
318(7)
B. Four-vectors and relativistic dynamics
325(16)
C. Four-vectors, electromagnetism, and energy-momentum conservation
341(27)
Symbols used 368(1)
Index 369

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