Seven Fundamental Concepts in Spacetime Physics

The book presents seven fundamental concepts in spacetime physics mostly by following Hermann Minkowski's revolutionary ideas summarized in his 1908 lecture "Space and Time." These concepts are: spacetime, inertial and accelerated motion in spacetime physics, the origin and nature of inertia in spacetime physics, relativistic mass, gravitation, gravitational waves, and black holes. They have been selected because they appear to be causing most misconceptions and confusion in spacetime physics.

Original and unorthodox treatment

Detailed explanation of concepts in spacetime physics whose usual presentation often contains misconceptions

Deals with technical concepts but the language of the exposition is accessible to a wider audience

Autorentext

Vesselin Petkov received a graduate degree in physics (Sofia University), a doctorate in philosophy (Institute for Philosophical Research, Sofia), and a doctorate in physics (Concordia University, Montreal). He taught at Sofia University and Concordia University. Vesselin Petkov is one of the founding members and current director of the Minkowski Institute.

Inhalt

Spacetime.- Acceleration in spacetime physics.- Inertia and inertial forces.- Relativistic mass.- Gravitation.- Gravitational energy and gravitational waves.- Black holes.