Cosmology and Astrophysics through Problems [Paperback]

T. Padmanabhan (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521467837 | ISBN-13: 978-0521467834 | Publication Date: September 28, 1996 | Edition: First Published

This innovative book provides a clear and pedagogical introduction to research through a series of problems and answers. The author has designed the problems to develop each core topic in a simple and coherent way, and he provides full solutions to make this book completely self-contained. The first half of the book covers the core subjects of astrophysical processes, gravitational dynamics, radiative processes, fluid mechanics and general relativity. The second half uses these concepts to develop modern cosmology; topics include the Friedmann model and thermal history, the dynamics of dark matter and baryons in an expanding universe, the physics of high-redshift objects and the very early universe. This unique self-study textbook will be of key interest to graduate students and researchers in cosmology, astrophysics, relativity and theoretical physics. It is particularly well suited to graduate-level courses.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'... the book poses a high number of interesting problems that will stimulate a student. In addition it highlights some of the areas of current interest ... I would recommend it to a student as a timely reminder of the value of basic problem solving.' Andy Taylor, The Observatory

'The book explains a number of things that I have wondered about but which may be difficult to extract from a conventional textbook ... the book is a success.' I. Bengtsson, Classical Quantum Gravity

'This innovative self-study text ... is the deliberate attempt of Professor Padmanabhan to provoke original thought, at research level, and to tackle cosmological problems ... The undoubted challenge of this novel book will attract many graduate students.' Irish Astronomical Journal

Reviews from Padmanabhan's previous book: 'Padmanabhan has written an invaluable exposition from first physical principles of almost all the things that a new graduate student embarking upon research in theoretical cosmology needs to know ... Overall I found Padmanabhan's book to be an extremely useful working text.' Times Higher Educational Supplement

Book Description

This self-study textbook provides a clear introduction through a series of problems and answers. The first half covers astrophysical processes, gravitational dynamics, radiative processes, fluid mechanics and general relativity. The second half uses these concepts to develop modern cosmology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 516 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; First Published edition (September 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521467837
• ISBN-13: 978-0521467834
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #982,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard... but excellent!, April 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Cosmology and Astrophysics through Problems (Paperback)

This is a very welcomed book for graduate students in astrophysics. Although I have only scratched the surface of the topics, I find its format and distribution very well organized. The solutions are also clearly exposed, but you need a very high background to work on the problems entirely on your own.