What Is Relativity?

An Intuitive Introduction to Einstein's Ideas, and Why They Matter

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Astronomy, General Physics
Cover of the book What Is Relativity? by Jeffrey Bennett, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jeffrey Bennett ISBN: 9780231537032
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: March 4, 2014
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Jeffrey Bennett
ISBN: 9780231537032
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: March 4, 2014
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

It is commonly assumed that if the Sun suddenly turned into a black hole, it would suck Earth and the rest of the planets into oblivion. Yet, as prominent author and astrophysicist Jeffrey Bennett points out, black holes don't suck. With that simple idea in mind, Bennett begins an entertaining introduction to Einstein's theories of relativity, describing the amazing phenomena readers would actually experience if they took a trip to a black hole.

The theory of relativity reveals the speed of light as the cosmic speed limit, the mind-bending ideas of time dilation and curvature of spacetime, and what may be the most famous equation in history: E = mc2. Indeed, the theory of relativity shapes much of our modern understanding of the universe. It is not "just a theory"—every major prediction of relativity has been tested to exquisite precision, and its practical applications include the Global Positioning System (GPS). Amply illustrated and written in clear, accessible prose, Bennett's book proves anyone can grasp the basics of Einstein's ideas. His intuitive, nonmathematical approach gives a wide audience its first real taste of how relativity works and why it is so important to science and the way we view ourselves as human beings.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

It is commonly assumed that if the Sun suddenly turned into a black hole, it would suck Earth and the rest of the planets into oblivion. Yet, as prominent author and astrophysicist Jeffrey Bennett points out, black holes don't suck. With that simple idea in mind, Bennett begins an entertaining introduction to Einstein's theories of relativity, describing the amazing phenomena readers would actually experience if they took a trip to a black hole.

The theory of relativity reveals the speed of light as the cosmic speed limit, the mind-bending ideas of time dilation and curvature of spacetime, and what may be the most famous equation in history: E = mc2. Indeed, the theory of relativity shapes much of our modern understanding of the universe. It is not "just a theory"—every major prediction of relativity has been tested to exquisite precision, and its practical applications include the Global Positioning System (GPS). Amply illustrated and written in clear, accessible prose, Bennett's book proves anyone can grasp the basics of Einstein's ideas. His intuitive, nonmathematical approach gives a wide audience its first real taste of how relativity works and why it is so important to science and the way we view ourselves as human beings.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book China's Green Religion by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book Firestorm by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book Contesting Cyberspace in China by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book The Culture of the Book in Tibet by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book Pier Paolo Pasolini by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book Turks, Moors, and Englishmen in the Age of Discovery by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book The Problem with God by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book Emperor of Japan by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book From Student to Scholar by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book Worlds Without End by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book International Trade and Labor Standards by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book The Way the Wind Blows by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book Animal Rights Without Liberation by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book Heidegger by Jeffrey Bennett
Cover of the book A Genetic and Cultural Odyssey by Jeffrey Bennett
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy