Alan P. Lightman - Böcker

Radiative Processes in Astrophysics: This clear, straightforward, and fundamental introduction is designed to present-from a physicist's point of view-radiation processes and their applications to astrophysical phenomena and space science. It covers such topics as radiative transfer theory, relativistic covariance and kinematics, bremsstrahlung radiation, synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering, some plasma effects, and radiative transitions in atoms. Discussion begins with first principles, physically motivating and deriving all results rather than merely presenting finished formulae. However, a reasonably good physics background (introductory quantum mechanics, intermediate electromagnetic theory, special relativity, and some statistical mechanics) is required. Much of this prerequisite material is provided by brief reviews, making the book a self-contained reference for workers in the field as well as the ideal text for senior or first-year graduate students of astronomy, astrophysics, and related physics courses. Radiative Processes in Astrophysics also contains about 75 problems, with solutions, illustrating applications of the material and methods for calculating results. This important and integral section emphasizes physical intuition by presenting important results that are used throughout the main text; it is here that most of the practical astrophysical applications become apparent.

An essential resource for learning about general relativity and much more, from four leading experts Important and useful to every student of relativity, this book is a unique collection of some 475 problems--with solutions--in the fields of special and general relativity, gravitation, relativistic astrophysics, and cosmology. The problems are expressed in broad physical terms to enhance their pertinence to readers with diverse backgrounds. In their solutions, the authors have attempted to convey a mode of approach to these kinds of problems, revealing procedures that can reduce the labor of calculations while avoiding the pitfall of too much or too powerful formalism. Although well suited for individual use, the volume may also be used with one of the modem textbooks in general relativity.

An essential resource for learning about general relativity and much more, from four leading experts Important and useful to every student of relativity, this book is a unique collection of some 475 problems--with solutions--in the fields of special and general relativity, gravitation, relativistic astrophysics, and cosmology. The problems are expressed in broad physical terms to enhance their pertinence to readers with diverse backgrounds. In their solutions, the authors have attempted to convey a mode of approach to these kinds of problems, revealing procedures that can reduce the labor of calculations while avoiding the pitfall of too much or too powerful formalism. Although well suited for individual use, the volume may also be used with one of the modem textbooks in general relativity.

This is the story of a physicist as a young man. Benito adores the rationality of physics and pursues it with a religious fervour. He finds very little rationality in his affairs with women however, they make no sense to him. Other work by the author includes "Einstein's Dreams".

This is a collection of essays which display the author's talent for bringing literary and scientific concerns into harmony. These meditations touch upon both the ethereal and the corporeal: the dependence of a ballerina on the laws of physics; the chice every scientist makes between tinkering and theorizing; the unscientific nature of discovery; the mystery of human flight without propellers; and the impulse behind the unprompted smile. In "Dance for Two", Alan Lightman offers readers a look into the creative complusions shared by the scientist and the artist, and a glimpse as well into his own imagination. Alan Lightman is the author of "Einstein's Dreams".

One day Bill Charmers, a junior executive, realizes that he cannot remember where he is or even who he is. His memory returns and he descends into a mental nightmare. With no conclusive medical answers, his wife thinks he is imagining it, while his colleagues are oblivious to his suffering.