Seven Fundamental Concepts in Spacetime Physics

The book presents seven fundamental concepts in spacetime physics, following Hermann Minkowskis revolutionary ideas. These concepts include spacetime, inertial and accelerated motion, inertia, relativistic mass, gravitation, gravitational waves, and black holes. They are selected because they cause the most misconceptions and confusion in the field.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 81 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The book delves into the intricate realm of spacetime physics, offering a comprehensive exploration of seven fundamental concepts that have profound implications for our understanding of the universe. These concepts are primarily derived from the revolutionary ideas of Hermann Minkowski, as concisely summarized in his renowned 1908 lecture, "Space and Time."

Spacetime:
Spacetime represents the fabric of the universe, where events and objects exist in a unified continuum. It is a four-dimensional continuum that combines the dimensions of space and time, allowing for the description of motion and the interaction of matter and energy.

Inertial and Accelerated Motion in Spacetime Physics:
The book delves into the concepts of inertial and accelerated motion in spacetime physics. It explains how objects in motion can experience changes in their velocity and acceleration due to external forces or their own internal properties. It also explores the principles of relativity, including the theory of special relativity and general relativity, which provide a deeper understanding of the nature of spacetime and the behavior of objects in it.

The Origin and Nature of Inertia in Spacetime Physics:
Inertia is a fundamental concept in spacetime physics that describes the tendency of objects to resist changes in their state of motion. The book explores the origin and nature of inertia in spacetime physics, examining how it arises from the properties of spacetime and the interactions between objects. It also discusses the concept of mass, its relationship to inertia, and the role of gravity in shaping the behavior of objects in spacetime.

Relativistic Mass:
Relativistic mass is a concept that arises in the framework of special relativity. It is defined as the energy required to accelerate a body of a given mass to a specified velocity. The book discusses the concept of relativistic mass, its implications for the behavior of objects in motion, and its relationship to the speed of light. It also explores the concept of gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime caused by the acceleration of massive objects, and their significance in the study of the universe.

Gravitation:
Gravity is one of the most fundamental forces in the universe, and the book delves into its nature and behavior in spacetime physics. It explains how gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. It discusses the principles of general relativity, which provide a detailed description of gravity and its effects on objects in motion. It also explores the concept of black holes, which are regions of spacetime that are so dense that even light cannot escape, and their role in the evolution of the universe.

Conclusion:
The book presents a comprehensive and accessible introduction to spacetime physics, covering the seven fundamental concepts that have shaped our understanding of the universe. These concepts are derived from the revolutionary ideas of Hermann Minkowski and have been selected because they appear to be causing most misconceptions and confusion in the field. By exploring these concepts in depth, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of spacetime and the fundamental forces that govern the behavior of objects in it. The book is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in the study of physics and the universe.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030756376
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021