Dynamics and Relativity

by Jeffrey Forshaw (University of Manchester, UK); Gavin Smith (University of Manchester, UK)

• ISBN13: 9780470721520
• ISBN10: 0470721529
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-02-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

A new title in the Manchester Physics Series, this introductory text emphasises physical principles behind classical mechanics and relativity. It assumes little in the way of prior knowledge, introducing relevant mathematics and carefully developing it within a physics context. Designed to provide a logical development of the subject, the book is divided into four sections, introductory material on dynamics, and special relativity, which is then followed by more advanced coverage of dynamics and special relativity. Each chapter includes problems ranging in difficulty from simple to challenging with?solutions for solving problems. Includes?solutions for solving problems Numerous worked examples included throughout the book Mathematics is carefully explained and developed within a physics environment Sensitive to topics that can appear daunting or confusing

Table of Contents

Preface

Introductory Dynamics.

Space, Time And Motion.

Defining Space and Time

Vectors and Co-ordinate Systems

Velocity and Acceleration

Standards and Units

Force, Momentum And NewtonÆS Laws.

Force and Static Equilibrium

Force and Motion

Applications of NewtonÆs Laws

Energy.

Work, Power and Kinetic Energy

Potential Energy

Collisions

Energy Conservation in Complex Systems

Angular Momentum.

Angular Momentum of a Particle

Conservation of Angular Momentum in Systems of Particles

Angular Momentum and Rotation About a Fixed Axis

Sliding and Rolling

Angular Impulse and the Centre of Percussion

Kinetic Energy of Rotation

II. Introductory Special Relativity.

The Need For A New Theory Of Space And Time.

Space and Time Revisited

Experimental Evidence

EinsteinÆs Postulates

Relativistic Kinematics.

Time Dilation, Length Contraction and Simultaneity

Lorentz Transformations

Velocity Transformations

Relativistic Energy And Momentum.

Momentum and Energy

Applications in Particle Physics

III Advanced Dynamics.

Non-Inertial Frames.

Linearly Accelerating Frames

Rotating Frames

Gravitation.

NewtonÆs Law of Gravity

The Gravitational Potential

Reduced Mass

Motion in a central force

Orbits

RIGID BODY MOTION.

The angular momentum of a rigid body

The moment of inertia tensor

Principal axes

Fixed-axis rotation in the lab frame

EulerÆs equations

The free rotation of a symmetric top

The stability of free rotation

Gyroscopes

Advanced Special Relativity.

The Symmetries Of Space And Time.

Symmetry in Physics

Lorentz Symmetry

Four-Vectors And Lorentz Invariants.

The Velocity Four-vector

The Wave Four-vector

The Energy-momentum Four-vector

Electric and Magnetic Fields

Space-Time Diagrams And Causality.

Relativity Preserves Causality

An Alternative Approach

Acceleration And General Relativity.

Acceleration in Special Relativity

A glimpse of General Relativity

A Deriving The Geodesic Equation

B Solutions To Problems

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