ABSTRACT

Albert Einstein, one of the most prolific scientists of the twentieth century, developed the theory of relativity which was crucial for the advancement of modern physics. Young Einstein identified a paradox between Newtonian Mechanics and Maxwell’s equations which pointed to a flawed understanding of space and time by the scientists of the day. In Relativity, Einstein presents his findings using a minimal amount of mathematical language, but the text can still be challenging for readers who lack an extensive scientific background.

The Routledge Guidebook to Einstein’s Relativity expands on and supplements this seminal text, by exploring:

  • the historical context of Einstein’s work and the background to his breakthroughs
  • details of experimental verification of special and general relativity
  • the enduring legacy of Einstein’s theories and their implications for future scientific breakthroughs.

This is an essential introduction for students of physics, philosophy and history in understanding the key elements of the work and the importance of this classic text to society today.

chapter 1|13 pages

Einstein's life

chapter 3|12 pages

Coordinate systems

Einstein'sRelativity Chapters 1–4

chapter 4|11 pages

Foundations of special relativity

Einstein'sRelativity Chapters 4–7

chapter 5|8 pages

Time

Einstein'sRelativity Chapter 8

chapter 6|12 pages

Special relativity

Einstein'sRelativity Chapters 9–14

chapter 7|12 pages

More results from special relativity

Einstein'sRelativity Chapters 15 and 17

chapter 8|10 pages

Experimental proofs of special relativity

Einstein'sRelativity Chapter 16

chapter 9|8 pages

General relativity and the equivalence principle

Einstein'sRelativity Chapters 18–21

chapter 10|7 pages

General relativity and gravity

Einstein'sRelativity Chapter 22

chapter 11|5 pages

The formulation of general relativity

Einstein'sRelativity Chapters 23–29

chapter 12|10 pages

Experimental tests of general relativity

Einstein'sRelativity Chapters 28–29, Appendix 3

chapter 13|9 pages

Cosmology

Einstein'sRelativity Chapters 30–32

chapter 14|7 pages

The future of relativity