The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us (Paperback)

by Dr. Louis Jagerman M.D. (Author) "As we begin, and particularly before we consider why we can call parts of relativity "special," we should become familiar with several key terms: Speed,..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, The Meaning of Relativity, The Principle of Relativity (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us provides a detailed explanation of relativity, particularly its mathematics, designed for the non-professional audience. The subject is developed from basic principles and observations in physics and mathematics, starting with algebra and geometry as taught in thorough high school courses. On the premise that this background suffices to build an appreciation and understanding of the subject, the crucial concepts are spelled out, and the key derivations are disclosed step-by-step.

The relativity of time, space, and mass is covered first, giving some attention to the history of the two main divisions of relativity, the special and the general. Once special relativity and its mathematics are established, general relativity is covered, beginning with its relationship to Newton's laws and advancing through its revolutionary concepts as well as its mathematics.

This process is carried all the way to the level of tensor equations. The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us treats topics such as: The constant speed of light, the invariant laws of physics, the basis and meaning of the equation E = mc2, the nature of curved four-dimensional space-time, the importance of non-Euclidean geometry, the gravitational bending of light, experimental confirmation of relativity, the philosophical and intellectual appeal of relativity, the nature of black holes, and the cosmologic significance of relativity -- both as concepts and as mathematical issues.

As a result the sufficiently attentive reader is set at ease with the reputedly incomprehensible but essential details about relativity. Even subjects such as "tensor calculus" and the "covariant partially differential field equations of general relativity" will be clear. For instance such a reader will know just what a "tensor" is, why the equations are "covariant," why they are "partially differential," why they are "field" equations, why relativity can be "general," and most importantly just what is meant by "relativity." Furthermore, if a reader is shown the fundamental equation of general relativity,

Rik - 1/2gikR = -XTik

he or she will understand what every term of this equation means, why each is included, what obstacles Einstein and his colleagues overcame to derive each term, what impact this equation has on modern science, and why this equation revolutionized our understanding of our universe.

The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us also devotes a chapter to the relationship between relativity and quantum mechanics. It reveals the limitations of relativity and the direction of future work in this branch of science. The chapter concludes with the role of string theory in reconciling relativity and quantum mechanics.

About the Author
During the "Sputnik" era careers in engineering and mathematics were highly valued. Two of my uncles were mathematicians and engineers, and their convictions about the bright future of their profession induced me to enter a collegiate engineering program in 1957. To my disappointment, I found this field far less interesting and far more tedious than I had expected, and after two years I switched into pre-med, which suited me much better.

However one of my more thought-provoking engineering courses was relativity theory. Reputedly the topic was very difficult and frustrating, but by that time I had taken various background classes, and I found relativity quite logical and easy to grasp. I concluded that the main hurdle for most students was the absence of a satisfactory bridge between what is taught in high school math/science programs and the basic mathematics of relativity. I felt I could fill this void, but of course, once I started medical school and began building my practice, such a project was out of the question. Nevertheless, I undertook various forms of medical writing, and I published two books (no longer in print) on topics in my specialty, ophthalmology.

About fifteen years ago a flurry of news stories appeared about relativity. I noted how the press handled these - clumsily and naively in my opinion - and I decided it was time to fulfill my ambition. My first impulse was to write a short book, but my research indicated the need for a far more comprehensive work, one that spelled out the fundamentals as well as the mathematical basics of relativity. Since I only had limited time for writing, I did not finish until 2000.

I am amazed by how much literature continually emerges on the subject and on its various ramifications. For example, another biography on Einstein seems to sprout every few months, and I have found hardly any book or magazine or website on modern physical science that lacks at least some reference to relativity. However, the problem remains: No one I know of so far has taken what we are ordinarily taught about mathematics and science, and used it to explain what relativity is all about.

Product Details

• Paperback: 454 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (February 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155212567X
• ISBN-13: 978-1552125670
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #318,941 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best book on the subject, June 26, 2007

By	C. Massimo (Torino, Italy) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a "motivated and attentive reader", trying to appreciate the meaning of relativity for so many years, with frustrating results. And yes, I'm full of books explaining relativity,from popular to technical texts, never reaching the goal. This is the book I was looking for, a book anyone can understand, a step by step guide to the mind of the Master.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New insights, April 9, 2008

By	R. Stephen Wright (Perrysburg, Oh) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was the book I was looking for before I read Hartle, Schultz, McMahon and Penrose. Jagerman presents relativity in a conversational and understandable level so that the reader lacking a math or physics degree can grasp some fairly difficult concepts. It amazes me that Hawking can be a best selling author when there is a book like this available. While Jagerman's book lacks the glossy pages and more sophisticated illustrations of other best sellers, I urge anyone interested in relativity to pick up "The Mathematics of Relativity..." You will not be disappointed! Thank you Dr. Jagerman.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent , May 9, 2008

By	Warrior-of-Light "Warrior-of-Light" (Vatican City) - See all my reviews

This is a superb example of how one can successfully explain abstract mathematics in a fluid and clear manner. The book is heavy on words compared to the number of equations, but that is how it should be. By that, I mean that Dr. Jagerman explains in detail the meaning behind the equations, so that when it's time to work an example, the user's intuition is sharpened. The purchasers of this book should not be fooled into thinking they can learn relativity in a week's time though, the book is over 400 pages long. However, motivated learners will find this text an enjoyable experience to read and learn from, much different than the 'dry' mathematics books which currently bore students in today's universities. The 400 pages pack a lot of substance into the material, unlike the other books on the market that promise to 'demystify' or 'make simple' difficult abstract topics like relativity or quantum mechanics.

This would be an excellent book along with Julian Barbour's "The End of Time," as the latter text is highly insightful into the minds of Einstein and the founders of quantum mechanics, with numerous historical anecdotes into what those scientists were most likely thinking as they formulated their theories.

Lastly, for the potential buyers of this book with 'math anxiety', I recommend they start with "The Cosmic Frontiers of General Relativity," by Willam J. Kaufman. This book is somewhat dated, as it was published in 1977, and is hard to find at on-line book dealers, but libraries tend to have it in stock. Reading Kaufman's book is a good way to whet one's curiousity, as it is written for the layperson with many illustrations of the concepts.