Space-Time, Relativity, and Cosmology [Hardcover]

Jose Wudka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0521822807 | ISBN-13: 978-0521822800

Space-Time, Relativity, and Cosmology provides a historical introduction to modern relativistic cosmology and traces its historical roots and evolution from antiquity to Einstein. The topics are presented in a non-mathematical manner, with the emphasis on the ideas that underlie each theory rather than their detailed quantitative consequences. A significant part of the book focuses on the Special and General theories of relativity. The tests and experimental evidence supporting the theories are explained together with their predictions and their confirmation. Other topics include a discussion of modern relativistic cosmology, the consequences of Hubble's observations leading to the Big Bang hypothesis, and an overview of the most exciting research topics in relativistic cosmology. This textbook is intended for introductory undergraduate courses on the foundations of modern physics. It is also accessible to advanced high school students, as well as non-science majors who are concerned with science issues.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fine book that belongs in all college libraries." -- Choice

2007 Outstanding Academic Title -- Choice Magazine

Book Description

This textbook provides a historical introduction to modern relativistic cosmology for first year undergraduates and non-science majors undertaking a physics course. The topics are presented non-mathematically, with the emphasis on the underlying ideas. The tests and supporting experimental evidence are explained together with their predictions and their confirmation.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 330 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521822807
• ISBN-13: 978-0521822800
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,237,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars lucid explanations for the lay reader, September 3, 2006

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This review is from: Space-Time, Relativity, and Cosmology (Hardcover)

The book is a popularisation of the history of cosmology. With only a modicum of maths, Wudka attempts to explain to an interested reader how cosmology has developed over the centuries. Naturally, the bulk of the book concerns itself with developments in the 20th century. For it was then that a wealth of inspired deductions and observations came together.

Special relativity is explained briefly. An example of Einstein's genius. But it was only a prelude to his greatest achievement, General Relativity. Without the maths, Wudka has done an able job conveying the essential ideas of GR. Though the reader might still feel an understandable suspicion that the full significance has eluded her.

From GR, the book shows how one can get the Hubble constant, for determining whether the universe is expanding or contracting. And, in a tour de force, how this can and was measured, by Hubble himself, with the primitive telescopes of over 70 years ago.