Relativity: A Very Short Introduction

• Explains both the Special Theory of Relativity, and the General Theory, and how they differed from existing Newtonian and Euclidian concepts of space and time
• Looks at the evidence that gave rise to the theory of relativity, and how it has been tested and proved since
• Explains the bizarre conclusions of relativity - from space and time contraction to the famous 'Twin Paradox' - in an accessible and clear way
• Shows how relativity isn't just applicable to abstract, far-flung physics - it not only has implications in the study of the cosmos, black holes, and gravitational lensing, but also has applications in everyday technologies such as GPS
• Explores the very latest developments and experiments in the field

Readership: Readers of popular science, physics students and anyone interested in an accessible introduction to relativity.

Russell Stannard, Emeritus Professor of Physics, The Open University, UK

1: Special relativity
The Principle of Relativity and the speed of light
Time dilation
The Twin Paradox
Length contraction
Loss of simultaneity
Space-time diagrams
Four-dimensional spacetime
The ultimate speed
E=mc2
2: General Relativity
The Equivalence Principle
The effects on time of acceleration and gravity
The bending of light
Curved space
Black holes
Gravitational Waves
The Universe
Further reading
Index