Simply Einstein – Relativity Demystified - Hardcover

Wolfson, Richard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393051544 ISBN 13: 9780393051544

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 2003

Synopsis

Using clear language and a conversational style, this book explores the ideas at the heart of Einstein's theory. Wolfson shows how these ideas led to such seeming absurdities as time travel, curved space, black holes, and new meanings for the idea of past and future. He illustrates how the principles underlying the theory of relativity gave us a new perspective on space and time, opened the door to questions about their nature. He leads his readers on an intellectual journey that explores how gravity works and discusses whether the universe is finite or infinite, and whether it might expand forever or eventually collapse forever in a "big crunch". These topics, at the forefront of physics, are all rooted in Einstein's sweeping profound and vision.

About this title

Review:

"In a clear style. [Wolfson] spreads before his readers the historical and conceptual background of [relativity] theory, emphasizing its simplicity at every opportunity. He also offers beautifully clear explanations of such classic puzzles as the Twin Paradox. A strong overview for the lay reader."

Wolfson takes the fear out of Einstein's relativity theory in this brisk piece of pop-science.

With straightforward language and clear examples, Wolfson proves you don't have to be an Einstein to understand his great ideas.

Wolfson's account is head and shoulders above most, and is a good place to start out.

Wolfson explains in a lively, conversational style the simple priciples underlying Einstein's theory. --Astronomical Society of the Pacific

In a clear style, [Wolfson] spreads before his readers the historical and conceptual background of [relativity] theory, emphasizing its simplicity at every opportunity. He also offers beautifully clear explanations of such classic puzzles as the Twin Paradox. A strong overview for the lay reader.

Wolfson leads the reader gently and irresistibly down the logical path that Einstein followed to arrive at his theories.

About the Author:

Richard Wolfson is Benjamin F. Wissler Professor of Physics at Middlebury College, where he also teaches environmental studies. He holds a BA from Swarthmore, an MS in environmental studies from the University of Michigan, and Ph.D. in physics from Dartmouth. His research involves solar astrophysics and terrestrial climate change. Wolfson's books include introductory physics texts as well as Nuclear Choices: A Citizen's Guide to Nuclear Technology (MIT Press 1993) and Simply Einstein: Relativity Demystified (W.W. Norton 2003). He has produced four video courses for The Teaching Company: Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Nonscientists (1995 & 1999); Energy and Climate: Science for Citizens in the Age of Global Warming (1996); Physics in Your Life (2004); and Earth's Changing Climate (2007).

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0393051544
• ISBN 13: 9780393051544
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288