Books › Textbooks › Science & Mathematics

Gravity: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Name: Gravity: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
Price: 11.90 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (116 reviews)

4.7 of 5 Stars: Science & Mathematics - Gravity: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

116

$11.90

Buying Options

Description

Book Synopsis: Gravity is one of the four fundamental interactions that exist in nature. It also has the distinction of being the oldest, weakest, and most difficult force to quantize. Understanding gravity is not only essential for understanding the motion of objects on Earth, but also the motion of all celestial objects, and even the expansion of the Universe itself. It was the study of gravity that led Einstein to his profound realizations about the nature of space and time and all astrophysical bodies within it. In this Very Short Introduction, Timothy Clifton looks at the development of our understanding of gravity since the early observations of Kepler and Newtonian theory. He discusses Einstein's theory of gravity, which now supplants Newton's, and shows how it allows us to understand why the frequency of light changes as it passes through a gravitational field, why GPS satellites need their clocks corrected as they orbit the Earth, and why the orbits of distant neutron stars speed up. Today, almost 100 years after Einstein published his theory of gravity, we have even detected the waves of gravitational radiation that he predicted. Clifton concludes by considering the testing and application of general relativity in astrophysics and cosmology, and looks at dark energy and efforts such as string theory to combine gravity with quantum mechanics.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Details

Looking to expand your knowledge of the natural world? Look no further than Gravity: A Very Short Introduction. As one of the oldest and most elusive fundamental forces in nature, understanding gravity is essential for comprehending the movement of objects both on Earth and beyond. This book takes you on a journey through the evolution of our understanding of gravity, from the groundbreaking theories of Kepler and Newton to Einstein's revolutionary insights that reshaped our understanding of space and time.

Written by Timothy Clifton, this Very Short Introduction explores how Einstein's theory of gravity supplants Newton's and enables us to explain phenomena such as changes in the frequency of light passing through gravitational fields, the necessity for GPS satellite clock corrections, and the acceleration of distant neutron star orbits. With the recent detection of gravitational waves, predicted by Einstein a century ago, this book delves into the cutting-edge advancements in the application of general relativity in astrophysics and cosmology.

Published as part of the Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press, this pocket-sized book encapsulates a wealth of knowledge in a concise format. Immerse yourself in a new subject quickly and easily with the expert analysis, perspective, and enthusiasm that these books are renowned for. Don't miss out on the chance to deepen your understanding of the cosmos—grab your copy of Gravity: A Very Short Introduction today!

Learn more about Gravity: A Very Short Introduction

See All Buying Options...

More Details...