Struggling with relativistic mechanics questions, need a textbook recommended

[alexis12]

I have never done relativity before, my uni professor isn't good enough and I can't understand a word he says, he's all over the place.

Anyway I missed a week due to being sick, and I just can't catch up, I am struggling to find any textbooks that have similar notation or help me solve problems. They all assume I understand things like length contraction, time dilation, proper length, etc.

This is an example of the simplest questions we have been asked: http://i.imgur.com/lHtbXPU.jpg

What textbook, youtube video series, or whatever can I watch to catch up and learn about relativity? This is second year undergraduate physics.

 

[Nugatory]

This is an example of the simplest questions we have been asked: http://i.imgur.com/lHtbXPU.jpg

It's OK to post that as an example of the sort of coursework that you're dealng with, but if you actually want help solving those particular problems, you'll get more support and help from the homework forums.

 

[jtbell]

The level of material in those questions corresponds to a second-year "introductory modern physics" course such as is commonly taught at universities in the US. Books for these courses have a chapter or two about special relativity: length contraction, time dilation, relativistic energy and momentum. Examples:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471828726/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0072448482/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0534417817/?tag=pfamazon01-20

A classic book that's just about relativity:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0716723271/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[alexis12]

Thanks guys, I aced the test, it all seems to easy to me now.

 

[Matrix0]

I understand your frustration and difficulty in finding proper resources to understand relativistic mechanics. Relativity is a complex and abstract concept and it can be challenging to grasp without proper guidance. However, there are many excellent textbooks and online resources available to help you understand and solve problems related to relativistic mechanics.

Some recommended textbooks for relativistic mechanics are "Introduction to Special Relativity" by Robert Resnick and "Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity" by Sean Carroll. These textbooks provide clear explanations and examples for concepts such as length contraction, time dilation, and proper length.

In addition, there are many online resources available for learning about relativity. Some popular options include Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. These resources offer video lectures, interactive tutorials, and comprehensive articles on various topics related to relativity.

I would also recommend seeking help from your university's physics department or joining a study group with other students who are also studying relativity. This can provide a supportive environment for you to ask questions and work through problems together.

Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to your professor for additional help and clarification. They may have additional resources or tips to help you understand the material better. Remember, it's important to keep practicing and working through problems to solidify your understanding of relativity.

I hope these recommendations will help you catch up and excel in your studies of relativistic mechanics. Don't give up, with determination and the right resources, you can overcome this challenge. Good luck!