1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910777458603321

Titolo

The mathematics of Minkowski space-time [[electronic resource] ] : with an introduction to commutative hypercomplex numbers / / Francesco Catoni ... [et al.]

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Basel ; ; Boston, : Birkhàˆuser, c2008

ISBN

1-281-49123-3

9786611491239

3-7643-8614-2

Edizione

[1st ed. 2008.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (271 p.)

Collana

Frontiers in mathematics

Altri autori (Persone)

CatoniFrancesco

Disciplina

516.374

Soggetti

Generalized spaces

Special relativity (Physics)

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

N-Dimensional Commutative Hypercomplex Numbers -- The Geometries Generated by Hypercomplex Numbers -- Trigonometry in the Minkowski Plane -- Uniform and Accelerated Motions in the Minkowski Space-Time (Twin Paradox) -- General Two-Dimensional Hypercomplex Numbers -- Functions of a Hyperbolic Variable -- Hyperbolic Variables on Lorentz Surfaces -- Constant Curvature Lorentz Surfaces -- Generalization of Two-Dimensional Special Relativity (Hyperbolic Transformations and the Equivalence Principle).

Sommario/riassunto

Hyperbolic numbers are proposed for a rigorous geometric formalization of the space-time symmetry of two-dimensional Special Relativity. The system of hyperbolic numbers as a simple extension of the field of complex numbers is extensively studied in the book. In particular, an exhaustive solution of the "twin paradox" is given, followed by a detailed exposition of space-time geometry and trigonometry. Finally, an appendix on general properties of commutative hypercomplex systems with four unities is presented.