Overview

The theory of relativity describes the laws of physics in a given space-time. However, a physical theory must provide observational predictions expressed in terms of measurements, which are the outcome of practical experiments and observations. Ideal for readers with a mathematical background and a basic knowledge of relativity, this book will help readers understand the physics behind the mathematical formalism of the theory of relativity. It explores the informative power of the theory of relativity, and highlights its uses in space physics, astrophysics and cosmology. Readers are given the tools to pick out from the mathematical formalism those quantities that have physical meaning and which can therefore be the result of a measurement. The book considers the complications that arise through the interpretation of a measurement, which is dependent on the observer who performs it. Specific examples of this are given to highlight the awkwardness of the problem.

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9780511777059

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Reviews

'... a wide-reaching book that covers a lot of material ... will reward the diligent reader.' The Observatory 'The book is written in a very pedagogical and transparent style and it helps the reader to understand physics behind the mathematical formalism of the theory. I recommend this book to researchers and graduate students of general relativity, astrophysics, cosmology and related areas. For students, the section Exercises containing one hundred problems forms also a very useful addition.' Zentralblatt MATH In simple language, the authors manage not only to exhibit the subtle correlations amongst those key characteristics but also to provide a concise framework of a general methodology on the subject, flavoured by specific applications and examples. As a result, the book contains a collection of many important general and special results that, perhaps, are not readily available in the literature. The excellent and up-to-date catalogue of references reinforces the value of the book. It will be of great value to anyone who would like to see how a physical theory approaches reality. Georgios O. Papadopoulos, Mathematical Reviews

'... a wide-reaching book that covers a lot of material ... will reward the diligent reader.' The Observatory 'The book is written in a very pedagogical and transparent style and it helps the reader to understand physics behind the mathematical formalism of the theory. I recommend this book to researchers and graduate students of general relativity, astrophysics, cosmology and related areas. For students, the section Exercises containing one hundred problems forms also a very useful addition.' Zentralblatt MATH

'… a wide-reaching book that covers a lot of material … will reward the diligent reader.' The Observatory 'The book is written in a very pedagogical and transparent style and it helps the reader to understand physics behind the mathematical formalism of the theory. I recommend this book to researchers and graduate students of general relativity, astrophysics, cosmology and related areas. For students, the section Exercises containing one hundred problems forms also a very useful addition.' Zentralblatt MATH

Author Information

Fernando de Felice is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Padova, Italy. He has significant research experience in the subject of general relativity at institutions in the USA, Canada, the UK, Japan and Brazil. He was awarded the Volterra Medal by the Accademia dei Lincei in 2005. Donato Bini is a Researcher of the Italian Research Council (CNR) at the Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo 'M. Picone' (IAC), Rome. His research interests include space-time splitting techniques in general relativity.

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