| Gravity, Black Holes, and the Very Early Universe: An Introduction to General Relativity and Cosmology 2008 Edition Contributor(s): Chow, Tai L. (Author) |
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ISBN: 0387736298 ISBN-13: 9780387736297 Publisher: Springer OUR PRICE: $80.74 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: October 2007 Annotation: Chow introduces the mathematical methods essential to understanding and applying general relativity--tensor calculus, some differential geometry, etc.--but leaves to more advanced references derivations that a beginning student would likely find overly long and tedious. The book employs standard tensor analysis--which requires only basic calculus for its understanding--and resists the temptation to adopt more powerful mathematical formalisms (like exterior calculus and differential forms) used by researchers in the field. In this way, the student can concentrate on learning physics--and not be distracted by the complexities of unfamiliar mathematical methods. The book also offers comprehensive discussion of the physics of black holes. The author hits just the right level of presentation: sufficient mathematical detail to demonstrate or make plausible the physical attributes of black holes - in contrast to "hand-waving" discussions found in popularizations of the subject - yet not so much mathematics as to lose track of the physics in an impenetrable forest of equations. An equally strong point is the author's discussion of the most exciting contemporary issues in astrophysics apart from black holes: recent measurements of the cosmic microwave background, the existence of the cosmological constant, dark matter, dark energy and the accelerated expansion of the universe. The final chapters on unification and inflation are also very well done and not generally found in other introductory treatments of general relativity. In sum, the book is highly informative and has a user-friendly style, which should make it an attractive choice for teachers and students. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Science | Physics - Relativity - Science | Physics - Mathematical & Computational - Science | Mechanics - General |
| Dewey: 523.1 |
| Physical Information: 0.69" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (1.31 lbs) 280 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Here it is, in a nutshell: the history of one genius's most crucial work - discoveries that were to change the face of modern physics. In the early 1900s, Albert Einstein formulated two theories that would forever change the landscape of physics: the Special Theory of Relativity and the General Theory of Relativity. Respected American academic Professor Tai Chow tells us the story of these discoveries. He details the basic ideas of Einstein, including his law of gravitation. Deftly employing his inimitable writing style, he goes on to explain the physics behind black holes, weaving into his account an explanation of the structure of the universe and the science of cosmology. |