Illustrated special relativity through its paradoxes : a fusion of linear algebra, graphics, and reality / John de Pillis, José Wudka ; illustrations and animations by John de Pillis.
Material type:
TextSeries: Spectrum seriesPublisher: Washington, D.C. : Mathematical Association of America, [2013]Copyright date: ©2013Description: 1 online resource : illustrationsContent type: text Media type: computer Carrier type: online resourceISBN: 9781614445173; 1614445176Subject(s): Algebras, Linear | Special relativity (Physics) | MATHEMATICS -- Algebra -- Intermediate | SCIENCE -- Physics -- Mathematical & Computational | Algebras, Linear | Special relativity (Physics)Genre/Form: Electronic books. | Electronic books. Additional physical formats: Print version:: Illustrated special relativity through its paradoxesDDC classification: 512.5 LOC classification: QA184.2Online resources: Click here to access online | Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode | Item holds |
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Includes bibliographical references and index.
"Assuming a minimum of technical expertise beyond basic matrix theory, the authors introduce inertial frames and Minkowski diagrams to explain the nature of simultaneity, why faster-than-light travel is impossible, and the proper way to add velocities. We resolve the twin paradox, the train-in-tunnel paradox, the pra-shooter paradox along with the lesser-known bug-rivet paradox that shows how rigidity is incompatible with special relativity. Since Einstein in his seminal 1905 paper introducing special relativity, acknowledged his debt to Clerk Maxwell, we fully develop Maxwell's four equations that unify the theories of electricity, optics, and magnetism. These equations also lead to a simple calculation for the frame independent speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum."--Cover.
Preface -- Introduction of the paradoxes -- Clocks and rods in motion -- The algebra in frames -- The graphing in frames -- Galilean transformation -- Constant c in spacetime -- Lorentz transformation -- The hyperbola of time-stamped origins -- The accommodating universe paradox -- The length-time comparison paradoxes -- The twin paradox -- The train-tunnel paradox -- The pea-shooter paradox -- The bug-rivet paradox -- E = mc² -- The nature of waves -- Maxwell's mathematical toolkit -- Electric and magnetic fields -- Electricity and magnetism: Gauss' laws -- Towards Maxwell's equations -- Electromagnetism: a qualitative view -- Electromagnetism: a quantitative view -- Epilogue: final thoughts -- Appendices.
Print version record.