Paul Sommers

Real Relativity Paul Sommers

Real Relativity is a book that provides a deep understanding of Einstein's theory. It is accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of algebra. Contrary to popular belief, tools from trigonometry, calculus, and physics are not needed to comprehend the science of relativity. Readers only need the intellectual curiosity and patience to study the numerous illustrative diagrams that convey the meaning of the algebraic equations. They will come away with a thorough knowledge of Minkowski spacetime and the wonderful phenomena of special relativity. In particular, the book meticulously resolves the "twin paradox" in its comprehensive treatment of time dilation and the "barn-pole paradox" in its explanation of Lorentz contraction. Readers will also enjoy an introduction to general relativity and how curvature of spacetime has supplanted Newton's law of gravitation. College students majoring in physics will find this to be a valuable presentation of relativity that complements what they encounter in standard textbooks.