Solved Problems and Systematic Introduction to Special Relativity (2024) (Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics)

By: Michael Tsamparlis

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Synopsis: In most undergraduate physics classes Special Relativity is taught from a simplistic point of view using Newtonian concepts rather than the relativistic way of thinking. This results in students often finding it difficult to understand properly the new approach/new ideas, and consequently to solve relativistic problems. Furthermore, a number of books treat the theory using advanced mathematics which is not necessary for the first approach to the theory. This book is intended to serve two roles: a. To treat a student in a systematic constructive way to the basic structure of the theory and b. To provide a large number of solved in-detail problems in the kinematics and dynamics of Special Relativity. Concerning the first aim the book introduces the basics of four-dimensional mathematics, i.e., Lorentz metric, relativistic tensors, and prepares, through working examples, the transition to General Relativity, which requires, besides the relativistic concepts, the use of Differential Geometry and tensor analysis. The presentation is concise and does not replace a book on Special Relativity. Concerning the second intention the large number of problems provides the necessary material which can be used in order to familiarize the student with the relativistic “world”. These problems can be used in the class by the teachers either as working examples or as problem sheets. It will be our pleasure if the book will be useful to both students and teachers.