In 1905, Albert Einstein offered a revolutionary theory - special relativity - to explain some of the most troubling problems in current physics concerning electromagnetism and motion. Soon afterwards, Hermann Minkowski recast special relativity essentially as a new geometric structure for spacetime. These ideas are the subject of the first part of the book. The second part develops the main implications of Einstein's general relativity as a theory of gravity rooted in the differential geometry of surfaces. The author explores the way an individual observer views the world and how a pair of observers collaborates to gain objective knowledge of the world. He has tried to encompass both the general and special theory by using the geometry of spacetime as the unifying theme of the book. To read it, one needs only a first course in linear algebra and multivariable calculus and familiarity with the physical applications of calculus.

Preliminary Text. DO NOT USE. In 1905, Albert Einstein offered a revolutionary theory--special relativity--to explain some of the most troubling problems about electromagnetism and motion in the physics of the day. Soon afterwards, Hermann Minkowski recast special relativity essentially as a new geometric structure for spacetime. These ideas are the subject of the first part of the book. The second part introduces the theory of frames, surfaces, and intrinsic geometry in order to develop the main implications of Einstein's general relativity.

Presents an important and fascinating blend of geometry and physics Explains the surprising notions and consequences of relativity in a way which readers will appreciate and understand Interdisciplinary interest from students and researchers in both math and physics Includes over 200 clear and helpful diagrams and many examples Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras Request lecturer material: sn.pub/lecturer-material

Inhalt
1 Relativity Before 1905.- 2 Special Relativity-Kinematics.- 3 Special Relativity-Kinetics.- 4 Arbitrary Frames.- 5 Surfaces and Curvature.- 6 Intrinsic Geometry.- 7 General Relativity.- 8 Consequences.