Space-Time, Relativity, and CosmologySpace-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. |
Contents
Section 1 | 23 |
Section 2 | 35 |
Section 3 | 63 |
Section 4 | 73 |
Section 5 | 78 |
Section 6 | 101 |
Section 7 | 128 |
Section 8 | 134 |
Section 13 | 178 |
Section 14 | 179 |
Section 15 | 182 |
Section 16 | 187 |
Section 17 | 199 |
Section 18 | 227 |
Section 19 | 231 |
Section 20 | 259 |
Section 9 | 141 |
Section 10 | 167 |
Section 11 | 176 |
Section 12 | 177 |
Section 21 | 260 |
Section 22 | 266 |
Section 23 | 285 |
Section 24 | 288 |
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Common terms and phrases
acceleration accepted accurate addition amount appeared arguments Aristotle assumed astronomers atoms beam became become believed bodies called century charge circle close completely conclusion constant contains Copernicus Cosmological density described determine direction distance early Earth effects electric energy equations ether example existence experimental experiments explain fact falling field Figure force galaxies Galileo gravitational hypothesis ideas imagine increase initial inside known larger later laws light magnetic mass mathematics matter measured mechanics method motion moving Nature Newton’s noted nuclear objects observations obtained orbit original particles philosophy physics planets position possible precisely predictions present Principle problems produced properties radiation reach reason reference frame region respect scientific space Special Relativity speed sphere stars theory Theory of Relativity understand Universe waves