Introduction to Special Relativity [Paperback]

Robert Resnick (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471717258 | ISBN-13: 978-0471717256 | Publication Date: January 15, 1968 | Edition: 1

Introduction to Special Relativity By Robert Resnick, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute This book gives an excellent introduction to the theory of special relativity. Professor Resnick presents a fundamental and unified development of the subject with unusually clear discussions of the aspects that usually trouble beginners. He includes,for example, a section on the common sense of relativity. His presentation is lively and interspersed with historical, philosophical and special topics (such as the twin paradox) that will arouse and hold the reader's interest. You'll find many unique features that help you grasp the material, such as worked-out examples,summary tables,thought questions and a wealth of excellent problems. The emphasis throughout the book is physical. The experimental background, experimental confirmation of predictions, and the physical interpretation of principles are stressed. The book treats relativistic kinematics, relativistic dynamics,and relativity and electromagnetism and contains special appendices on the geometric representation of space-time and on general relativity. Its organization permits an instructor to vary the length and depth of his treatment and to use the book either with or following classical physics. These features make it an ideal companion for introductory courses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (January 15, 1968)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471717258
• ISBN-13: 978-0471717256
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #487,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and thorough introduction, May 23, 2007

By 

John R. Thorstensen (Hanover, NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Special Relativity (Paperback)

I used this book as an undergrad many years ago in honors first-year physics (along with Purcell's excellent E&M book from the Berkeley Physics Series), and have referred to it from time to time since. It's a clear, patient, matter-of-fact introduction to the subject which takes the time to clarify many of the obscure and seemingly contradictory aspects of special relativity. It's written about at the level of the famous Halliday and Resnick university physics books. I found the book to be very useful as an introduction. If you already know the subject, and need an advanced reference, this will be too basic, but as the title says, it's an "Introduction".