Introduction To Special Relativity And Space Science

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Relativity deals with the relative motion in space and time, whereas space science describes the motion of the celestial objects in it. This book provides an accessible introduction to the special theory of relativity. Starting from the basics of light and electromagnetism, students are then gently introduced to the conflict between Maxwell's electromagnetic theory and Newtonian mechanics which led Einstein to special relativity. The later chapters serve as an introduction to basic cosmology and astrophysics, fields where the fascinating discoveries owe much to the application of the special and generaltheories of relativity. This book is based on author’s classroom lectures.

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Dr. Satya Pal Singh is an Assistant Professor in Physics at Madan Mohan Malviya Engineering College, Gorakhpur. Prior to joining this institution, he has taught the subject at MPPG College and JBMD College affiliated to DDU Gorakhpur University, Uttar Pradesh. He has more than five years of teaching experience. He has worked for two years as a Project Scientist at the Molecular Physics and Statistical Thermodynamics Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Department at Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. Apart from these, he has recently received a Summer Research Fellowship-2012 from the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru. He has done short-term research projects in IUCAA under UGC scheme. Dr. Singh is gold-medalist in M.Sc. Physics from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi where he specialized in theoretical physics. After completing the Pre-Ph. D course at School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University he pursued two years Ph. D research work. He latter obtained his Ph. D from Dr. RMLA University, Uttar Pradesh. He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers in national and international journals of repute and has also made more than 10 presentations at national and international conferences.He is also active in popularization of science. Key Features Offers complete understanding of the physics underlying observational relativity and astronomy balanced with the coverage of the related mathematical aspects. Covers basics concepts of dual (wave and particle) nature of light, electromagnetic waves and differences between classical and quantum mechanics. Describes fundamentals of the wave optics important for understanding the functioning of optical (observational-astronomy) instruments. Presents the earlier concepts of relativity postulated by Newton and Galileo. Elucidates Galilean transformations of position, velocity and acceleration in different frames of reference and their failure in case of light. Introduces and builds upon concept of four-dimensional space-time based on Einstein's theory of relativity. Explains active galaxies, exploding galaxies, quasars and pulsars. Describes the solar system, its constituent bodies (planets, asteroids and comets) along with their vital statistics. Expounds redshift in stars and the big bang theory for origin of the universe. Annexure on major events and discoveries related to light, theory of relativity andspace science. Contains useful appendices with information about various space missions in India (ISRO) and the World (NASA) along with their objectives. Includes various computer-generated graphics for illustrations. Excellent pedagogy includes: 150+ solved problems 100+ review questions 240+ numerical problems 200+ illustrations with diagrams and pictures Table of Contents Interference, Diffraction and Polarization Electromagnetic Waves Dual Nature of Light Frames of Reference What is Space-Time? Relativistic Kinematics and Paradoxes in Relativity Large Celestial Bodies Our Solar System Stars and their Classification Redshifts and the Big Bang Theory Appendix A: Major Scientific Space Missions of India Appendix B: Major Scientific Space Missions of the World Bibliography Index