Relativity: The Special and the General TheoryTime 's 'Man of the Century', Albert Einstein is the unquestioned founder of modern physics, and relativity the most important scientific idea of the modern era. In this famous short book Einstein explains clearly, using the minimum amount of mathematical terms, the basic ideas and principles of the theory which has shaped the world we live in today. Unsurpassed by any subsequent books on relativity, this remains the most popular and useful exposition of Einstein's immense contribution to human knowledge. |
Contents
Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions | 3 |
The System of Coordinates | 6 |
Space and Time in Classical Mechanics | 10 |
The Galileian System of Coordinates | 12 |
The Principle of Relativity in the Restricted Sense | 14 |
The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities Employed in Classical Mechanics | 18 |
The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity 20 22222 | 20 |
On the Idea of Time in Physics | 23 |
Special and General Principle of Relativity | 61 |
20 | 68 |
22 | 75 |
The SpaceTime Continuum of the General | 94 |
The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation | 100 |
Cosmological Difficulties of Newtons Theory | 107 |
The Structure of Space according to | 115 |
Minkowskis Fourdimensional Space | 124 |
The Relativity of Simultaneity | 27 |
On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance | 30 |
The Lorentz Transformation | 32 |
The Behaviour of MeasuringRods | 37 |
14 | 44 |
16 | 51 |
c Displacement of Spectral Lines towards | 132 |
Relativity and the Problem of Space | 139 |
| 159 | |
| 162 | |
Other editions - View all
Relativity: The Special and the General Theory Albert Einstein,Robert W. Lawson Limited preview - 2001 |
Common terms and phrases
acceleration according æther body of reference centre classical mechanics co-ordinate system concept of space consideration considered corresponding definite Descartes disc displacement distance electrodynamics ellipse embankment empirical empty space equations Euclidean geometry existence experience expression fact finite fixed stars fundamental generalisation gravitational mass H. A. Lorentz hypothesis idea imagine independent inertial system infinite interpretation laws of nature light in vacuo Lorentz transformation manner material objects material points means measured Minkowski space moving natural laws observation obtained orbit plane position possible postulate of relativity principle of relativity propagation of light pure gravitational field question radius ray of light reference-body regard rest result Riemann Riemann condition rigid body rods rotation satisfy seconds of arc Section sense simultaneous space co-ordinates space-time special theory spectral lines straight line surface system of co-ordinates theoretical theory of Newton theory of relativity thought three-dimensional tion universe validity velocity of light x-axis x₁