Best books for special relativity?

In summary, the conversation revolved around finding alternative books for a special relativity course, as the current textbook was not well liked. Recommendations were made for books such as Taylor and Wheeler's Spacetime Physics and Tom Moore's Six Ideas that Shaped Physics Unit R. More advanced books were also suggested, including Special Relativity: An Introduction with 200 Problems and Solutions and Geometrical Physics in Minkowski Spacetime. Additionally, a lecture course by Prof. Shiva Prasad and Einstein's book "The Meaning of Relativity" were mentioned as potential resources. The conversation also highlighted the importance of specifying the topics covered in the course and the language of the textbook.
  • #1
nicklas_m123
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Hello everyone,

I'm studying physics as an undergraduate and I'm currently taking the course special relativity.
But sadly I'm not too big a fan of the book we are using for the course.
So I was wondering what are the best books you know of regarding special relativity for undergraduates.
 
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  • #2
I'm still going to use our book since that's the book our professor is using. But I would like to read another too, to get a better insight in the theory.
 
  • #3
nicklas_m123 said:
I'm not too big a fan of the book we are using for the course.
Which book is it, so no one embarrasses himself by recommending it? :eek:
 
  • #4
jtbell said:
Which book is it, so no one embarrasses himself by recommending it? :eek:
Well, the book is not in English, so I don't there is any chance that people would recommend it ;-)
 
  • #5
nicklas_m123 said:
Well, the book is not in English, so I don't there is any chance that people would recommend it ;-)
There are quite a few people here for whom English is a second language. The book and language would be worth naming.

In English, Taylor and Wheeler's Spacetime Physics is well recommended. The first chapter is available on line to try before you buy. Also you might try former PhysicsForums Mentor @bcrowell's SR book, which you can find free for download at http://lightandmatter.com/sr.
 
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  • #6
It would be helpful if you gave a sense of the course you are taking... at least a list of topics.. or if the professor suggested alternate resources.

In addition to Taylor and Wheeler, there is
Six Ideas that Shaped Physics Unit R by Tom Moore
The Geometry of Special Relativity by Tevian DrayThen there are more advanced books like
Special Relativity: An Introduction with 200 Problems and Solutions by Michael Tsamparlis
Relativity Made Relatively Easy by Andrew M. Steane
Geometrical Physics in Minkowski Spacetime by E.G.Peter Rowe
... and so on
 
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  • #7

Related to Best books for special relativity?

1. What is special relativity?

Special relativity is a theory proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905 to explain the relationship between space and time. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion and that the speed of light is constant for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. This theory revolutionized our understanding of the universe and led to the famous equation E=mc².

2. What are the best books for understanding special relativity?

Some popular books for understanding special relativity include "Relativity: The Special and General Theory" by Albert Einstein, "Spacetime Physics" by Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler, and "Introduction to Special Relativity" by Robert Resnick. These books provide a comprehensive and thorough explanation of the theory, making them great resources for learning about special relativity.

3. Are there any beginner-friendly books on special relativity?

Yes, there are several beginner-friendly books on special relativity that are suitable for those with little to no background in physics. Some examples include "A Most Incomprehensible Thing: Notes Towards a Very Gentle Introduction to the Mathematics of Relativity" by Peter Collier and "Relativity: A Very Short Introduction" by Russell Stannard. These books use simple language and examples to introduce the concepts of special relativity.

4. How can I apply the principles of special relativity in real life?

Special relativity has many practical applications in our daily lives, such as in the functioning of GPS systems and particle accelerators. Understanding this theory can also help us better understand the behavior of light, space, and time. Additionally, the principles of special relativity are used in many modern technologies, such as nuclear power plants and medical imaging devices.

5. Is it necessary to have a strong background in physics to understand books on special relativity?

While a basic understanding of physics can be helpful, it is not necessary to have a strong background in the subject to understand books on special relativity. Many books on this topic are written in a way that is accessible to a general audience, and they often provide explanations and examples to help readers grasp the concepts. However, a basic understanding of mathematical concepts such as algebra and calculus may be beneficial in understanding some of the equations used in special relativity.

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