Flat and Curved Space-Times

by George Francis Rayner Ellis, R.M. Williams, Mauro Carfora (Illustrator)

The present book explains special relativity and the basics of general relativity from a geometric viewpoint. Space-time geometry is emphasized throughout, and provides the basis of understanding of the special relativity effects of time dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity. Bondi's K-calculus is introduced as a simple means of calculating the magnitudes of these effects, and leads to a derivation of the Lorentz transformation as a way of unifying these results. The invariant interval of flat space-time is generalised to that of curved space-times, and leads to an understanding of the basic properties of simple cosmological models and of the collapse of a star to form a black hole. The appendices enable the advanced student to master the application of four-tensors to the relativistic study of energy and momentum, and of electromagnetism. In addition, this new edition contains up-to-date information on black holes, gravitational collapse, and
cosmology.

Genres: Physics, Nonfiction, Mathematics, Science

388 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 1988

About the author

George Francis Rayner Ellis, FRS, Hon. FRSSAf, is the Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Complex Systems in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

He is considered one of the world's leading theorists in cosmology. He is an active Quaker and in 2004 he won the Templeton Prize. On 18 May 2007, he was elected a Fellow of the British Royal Society.

From 1989 to 1992 he served as President of the International Society on General Relativity and Gravitation. He is a past President of the International Society for Science and Religion. He is an A-rated researcher with the NRF.

Reviews

[Matt Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very best simple introductions to General Relativity