Introduction to Special Relativity

Concise, well-written treatment of epochal theory of modern physics covers classical relativity and the relativity postulate, time dilation, the twin paradox, momentum and energy, particles of zero mass, electric and magnetic fields and forces and more. Only high school math needed. Replete with examples, ideal for self-study. Introduction. 70 illustrations.

James H. Smith was Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois.

PrefaceIntroduction1. Classical Relativity and the Relativity Postulate2. Light Waves and the Second Postulate3. Time Dilation: Proper and Improper Time4. Length Measurements5. Velocity and Acceleration6. The Twin Paradox7. The Lorentz Transformation and Notation8. Proper- or Four-Velocity9. Momentum and Energy10. Particles of Zero Mass11. Center-of-Mass and Particle Systems12. Four-Vectors13. Electric and Magnetic Fields and ForcesAppendix A. Approximate Calculations in RelativityAppendix B. A Summary of Relativistic FormulasAppendix C. A Table of ParticlesIndex