Introduction to the Relativity Principle

Relativity forms a core part of the physics curriculum. This introductory book offers a concise treatment of relativity, starting with Galilean transformations and the uses of relativity in Newtonian mechanics.

Relativity, almost a hundred years old in its classic Einsteinian form, is one of the most fascinating threads running through science from Galileo's day to ours. This book, based on a short course at the University of Sussex, presents relativity as a natural outgrowth of dynamics: the concepts are introduced through careful physical reasoning and simple mathematics, and are then applied over a wide range, well meshed with current undergraduate syllabuses. Features * An accessible introduction through pre-Einstein relativity * Scrupulously assessed experimental evidence (mostly modern) * Elementary mathematics, aimed at a working acquaintance with kinematics, energy and momentum conservation, and the propagation of plane waves * The book includes many carefully chosen examples and student problems Introduction to the Relativity Principle is suitable for undergraduates studying physics, also as a preliminary to more formal courses designed for mathematicians.