Special Relativity: From Einstein to Strings [Hardcover]

Thorough and pedagogical introduction to special relativity and related topics, with companion CD-ROM.A thorough introduction to Einstein's special theory of relativity. It aims to teach special relativity and related topics to people who are interested in mathematics and have already passed a first year of physics with calculus. It is important because it teaches special relativity in a comprehensive manner as a theory of spacetime geometry, using the most up to date formalism. It differs from the competition in that it includes advanced topics such as higher dimensions, supersymmetry and string theory, and makes them accessible to the undergaduate physicist or engineer.A thorough introduction to Einstein's special theory of relativity. It aims to teach special relativity and related topics to people who are interested in mathematics and have already passed a first year of physics with calculus. It is important because it teaches special relativity in a comprehensive manner as a theory of spacetime geometry, using the most up to date formalism. It differs from the competition in that it includes advanced topics such as higher dimensions, supersymmetry and string theory, and makes them accessible to the undergaduate physicist or engineer.This thorough introduction to Einstein's special theory of relativity is suitable for anyone with a minimum of one year of undergraduate physics with calculus. The authors cover every aspect of special relativity, including the impact of special relativity in quantum theory, with an introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. They also discuss the group theory of the Lorentz group, supersymmetry, and such cutting-edge topics as general relativity, the standard model of elementary particles and its extensions, and superstring theory, giving a survey of important unsolved problems. The book is accompanied by an interactive CD-ROM illustrating classic problems in relativity involving motion.Preface; Part I.