Relativity: The Special and the General Theory

Albert Einstein1451002165, 9781451002164

Time’s ‘Man of the Century’, Albert Einstein is the unquestioned founder of modern physics. His theory of relativity is the most important scientific idea of the modern era. In this short book Einstein explains, using the minimum of mathematical terms, the basic ideas and principles of the theory which has shaped the world we live in today. Unsurpassed by any subsequent books on relativity, this remains the most popular and useful exposition of Einstein’s immense contribution to human knowledge.Einstein presents his views on the special and general theory of relativity and the universe as a whole.

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Table of contents :
Einstein_Relativity.pdf……Page 1
Copyright Information……Page 4
Preface……Page 5
Note to the Third Edition……Page 6
Biographical Note……Page 7
Translator’s Note……Page 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS……Page 10
I. Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions……Page 13
II. The System of Co-ordinates……Page 16
III. Space and Time in Classical Mechanics……Page 19
IV. The Galileian System of Co-ordinates……Page 21
V. The Principle of Relativity (in the Restricted Sense)……Page 22
VI. The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities employed in Classical Mechanics……Page 25
VII. The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity……Page 26
VIII. On the Idea of Time in Physics……Page 29
IX. The Relativity of Simultaneity……Page 32
X. On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance……Page 35
XI. The Lorentz Transformation……Page 37
XII. The Behaviour of Measuring-Rods and Clocks in Motion……Page 41
XIII. Theorem of the Addition of Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau……Page 44
XIV. The Heuristic Value of the Theory of Relativity……Page 48
XV. General Results of the Theory……Page 50
XVI. Experience and the Special Theory of Relativity……Page 54
XVII. Minkowski’s Four-dimensional Space……Page 58
XVIII. Special and General Principle of Relativity……Page 61
XIX. The Gravitational Field……Page 64
XX. The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity……Page 67
XXI. In what Respects are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity unsatisfactory?……Page 71
XXII. A Few Inferences from the General Principle of Relativity……Page 73
XXIII. Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring-Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference……Page 77
XXIV. Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Continuum……Page 80
XXV. Gaussian Co-ordinates……Page 83
XXVI. The Space-time Continuum of the Special Theory of Relativity considered as a Euclidean Continuum……Page 87
XXVII. The Space-time Continuum of the General Theory of Relativity is not a Euclidean Continuum……Page 89
XXVIII. Exact Formulation of the General Principle of Relativity……Page 92
XXIX. The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the General Principle of Relativity……Page 95
XXX. Cosmological Difficulties of Newton’s Theory……Page 99
XXXI. The Possibility of a “Finite” and yet “Unbounded” Universe……Page 101
XXXII. The Structure of Space according to the General Theory of Relativity……Page 105
I. Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation……Page 107
II. Minkowski’s Four-dimensional Space (“World”)……Page 113
III. The Experimental Confirmation of the General Theory of Relativity……Page 115
(a) Motion of the Perihelion of Mercury……Page 116
(b) Deflection of Light by a Gravitational Field……Page 118
(c) Displacement of Spectral Lines towards the Red……Page 120
BIBLIOGRAPHY……Page 123
Einstein_Sidelights.pdf……Page 125
Copyright Information……Page 126
Ether and the Theory of Relativity……Page 129
Geometry and Experience……Page 139