On Gravity : A Brief Tour of a Weighty Subject / A. Zee.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Zee, A., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Einstein field equations.

General relativity (Physics).

Gravity.

Relativity (Physics).

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ : Princeton University Press, [2018]

Language Note:

In English.

System Details:

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Summary:

A brief introduction to gravity through Einstein's general theory of relativityOf the four fundamental forces of nature, gravity might be the least understood and yet the one with which we are most intimate. From the months each of us spent suspended in the womb anticipating birth to the moments when we wait for sleep to transport us to other realities, we are always aware of gravity. In On Gravity, physicist A. Zee combines profound depth with incisive accessibility to take us on an original and compelling tour of Einstein's general theory of relativity. Inspired by Einstein's audacious suggestion that spacetime could ripple, Zee begins with the stunning discovery of gravity waves. He goes on to explain how gravity can be understood in comparison to other classical field theories, presents the idea of curved spacetime and the action principle, and explores cutting-edge topics, including black holes and Hawking radiation. Zee travels as far as the theory reaches, leaving us with tantalizing hints of the utterly unknown, from the intransigence of quantum gravity to the mysteries of dark matter and energy.Concise and precise, and infused with Zee's signature warmth and freshness of style, On Gravity opens a unique pathway to comprehending relativity and gaining deep insight into gravity, spacetime, and the workings of the universe.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Timeline

Prologue: The song of the universe

Part I

1. A friendly contest between the four interactions

2. Gravity is absurdly weak

3. Detection of electromagnetic waves

4. From water waves to gravity waves

Part II

5. Spooky action at a distance

6. Greatness and audacity: enter the field

7. Einstein, the exterminator of relativity

8. Einstein's idea: spacetime becomes curved

9. How to detect something as ethereal as ripples in spacetime

Part III

10. Getting the best possible deal

11. Symmetry: Physics must not depend on the physicist

12. Yes, I want the best deal, but, what is the deal?

13. The action for Einstein gravity

14. It must be

Part IV

15. From frozen star to black hole

16. The quantum world and Hawking radiation

17. Gravitons and the nature of gravity

18. Mysterious messages from the dark side

19. A new window to the cosmos

Appendix: What does curved spacetime mean?

Postscript

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 23. Mai 2019)

ISBN:

9781400890309

1400890306

OCLC:

1028552261