Ebook: Light in Einstein’s Universe: The Role of Energy in Cosmology and Relativity
Author: S. J. Prokhovnik (auth.)
- Tags: Theoretical Mathematical and Computational Physics, Classical and Quantum Gravitation Relativity Theory, Philosophy of Science
- Series: Fundamental Theories of Physics 16
- Year: 1985
- Publisher: Springer Netherlands
- Edition: 1
- Language: English
- pdf
The tremendous progress in astronomical observations over the past sixty years has revealed a vast structured universe whose fundamental parti cles are galaxies, and clusters thereof. The interpretation of the new astronomical evidence owes much to Einstein's insights and deductions. All our knowledge of the world derives from the light, more generally the energy, which reaches us from near and far. Einstein recognised the vital role of energy as the solE~ basis of our information about the workings of nature; his Special Theory of Relativity showed how our understanding of space and time Is linked with measurements involving reflecting light signals. He further demonstrated that matter exists in two interchangeable forms - a mass form and an energy form - which interact closely at all levels. His General Theory of Relativity dealt with the nature of this interaction in the context of gravitational fields, and led to a view of the universe which was soon observationally confirmed. Einstein's methods and results form the theoretical basis of modern cosmology which has spawned many 'models' of the universe; how ever, they all deal with an Einstein-type universe and they all employ his geometric approach to describe it.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xiii
The Observable Universe....Pages 1-12
The Bases of Modern Cosmology....Pages 13-26
The Principle of Relativity....Pages 27-51
Light Propagation in an Expanding Universe....Pages 52-72
The Effects of Movement Relative to the Fundamental Frame....Pages 73-86
Special Relativity as a Cosmological Theory....Pages 87-108
Gravitation in a Unique Universe....Pages 109-123
The Space, Time and Matter of our Universe....Pages 124-134
Back Matter....Pages 135-221
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xiii
The Observable Universe....Pages 1-12
The Bases of Modern Cosmology....Pages 13-26
The Principle of Relativity....Pages 27-51
Light Propagation in an Expanding Universe....Pages 52-72
The Effects of Movement Relative to the Fundamental Frame....Pages 73-86
Special Relativity as a Cosmological Theory....Pages 87-108
Gravitation in a Unique Universe....Pages 109-123
The Space, Time and Matter of our Universe....Pages 124-134
Back Matter....Pages 135-221
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