Relativity for the Questioning Mind

by Daniel F. Styer

To those of us who are not mathematicians or physicists, Einstein's theory of relativity often seems incomprehensible, exotic, and of little real world use. None of this is true. Daniel F. Styer's introduction to the topic not only shows us why these beliefs are mistaken but also shines a bright light on the subject so that any curious-minded person with an understanding of algebra and geometry can both grasp and apply the theory.Styer starts off slowly and proceeds carefully, explaining the concepts undergirding relativity in language comprehensible to nonscientists yet precise and accurate enough to satisfy the most demanding professional. He demonstrates how the theory applies to various real-life situations with easy equations and simple, clear diagrams. Styer's classroom-tested method of conveying the core ideas of relativity the relationship among and between time, space, and motion and the behavior of light encourages questions and shows the way to finding the answers. Each of the book's four parts builds on the sections that come before, leading the reader by turn through an overview of foundational ideas such as frames of reference, revelatory examples of time dilation and its attendant principles, an example based exploration of relativity, and explanations of how and why gravity and spacetime are linked. By demonstrating relativity with practical applications, Styer teaches us to truly understand and appreciate its importance, beauty, and usefulness. Featuring worked and end of chapter problems and illustrated, nontechnical explanations of core concepts, while dotted throughout with questions and answers, puzzles, and paradoxes, Relativity for the Questioning Mind is an enjoyable to read, complete, concise introduction to one of the most important scientific theories yet discovered. The appendixes provide helpful hints, basic answers to the sample problems, and materials to stimulate further exploration.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Read For School

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2009

Reviews

[Renato · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNA BIBBIA

[Dave Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

the parts it sets out to cover it does very well. dissapointed that it didnt discuss space-time or explanations of why

[Massimo Bigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uno dei libricini divulgativi più preziosi che abbia mai avuto il piacere di leggere. Molto scorrevole, chiaro ed appassionante, l’autore riesce a spiegare in maniera eccellente argomenti per nulla banali e che risultano solitamente molto ostici da accettare per chi approccia la teoria di Einstein per la prima volta, uscendo completamente dal senso comune. Indirizzato ai più disparati tipi di lettore, dai più istruiti (contiene brevi dimostrazioni ed esercizi proposti con i quali cimentarsi per verificare la reale comprensione degli argomenti trattati) a coloro che sono guidati dalla semplice curiosità (contiene molti esempi ben congegnati per garantire la comprensione anche a chi non ha grandi nozioni pregresse di fisica). In definitiva, un libro che farei leggere in tutte le scuole e che consiglio caldamente a chiunque voglia approfondire l’argomento e desideri partire da una comprensione reale dei concetti base.

[Mela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book. I am wiser now, but as always when you learn more, at the same time, you learn how much you don't know ;-) I recommend this really to everyone. All is explained in the simple way. If you know that: speed equals the road divided by time, you will understand the whole book. It may only take you some time. Fortunately, one can always read it a second time ;-)

[Sassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction on Einstein's relativity and how it relates to the world we live in. Note, you need to have a rudimentary understanding of mathematics to understand some of the finer points of the book. It is a good and interesting introduction that helps one better understand relativity.

[Luciano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro bellissimo e sfidante. Styer non ti regala niente, se non il piacere di entrare nel mondo fantastico della relatività con esercizi, rigore e semplicità (per quanto possibile). Opera di divulgazione superba, ha il merito di incuriosirti su Einstein e spingerti a leggere una sua biografia