This introduction to the fascinating subject of black holes fills a significant gap in the literature which exists between popular, non-mathematical expositions and advanced textbooks at the research level. It is designed for advanced undergraduates and first year postgraduates as a useful stepping-stone to the advanced literature. The book provides an accessible introduction to the exact solutions of Einstein's vacuum field equations describing spherical and axisymmetric (rotating) black holes. The geometry and physical properties of these spacetimes are explored through the motion of particles and light. The use of different coordinate systems, maximal extensions and Penrose diagrams is explained. The association of the surface area of a black hole with its entropy is discussed and it is shown that with the introduction of quantum mechanics black holes cease to be black and can radiate. This result allows black holes to satisfy the laws of thermodynamics and thus be consistent with the rest of physics. In this new edition the problems in each chapter have been revised and solutions are provided. The text has been expanded to include new material on wormholes and clarify various other issues.
This book provides an accessible introduction to the fascinating and topical subject of black holes. It bridges the gap between popular non-mathematical expositions and advanced research texts, using simple undergraduate level calculations and the most basic knowledge of relativity to explain current research. This means the theory can be understood by a wide audience of physicists, including those who are not necessarily interested in learning higher-level mathematical techniques. The third edition links more of the current research trends to fundamental aspects of the physics of black holes. Additionally: It provides an accessible introduction to the two most useful exact solutions of Einstein's vacuum field equations describing black holes, using only basic tensor calculus Explores the geometry and physical properties of these spacetimes through the motion of particles and light Explains the use of different coordinate systems, maximal extensions and Penrose diagrams Discusses the association of the surface area of a black hole with its entropy and shows that, with the introduction of quantum mechanics, black holes cease to be black and can radiate. This allows black holes to satisfy the laws of thermodynamics and thus be consistent with the rest of physics Includes over 100 problems and solutions This new edition introduces a chapter dedicated to a selection of recent results. Existing chapters have been updated and new explanatory material has been added to aid in the understanding of the physics. This book is recommended reading for advanced undergraduate students and first-year postgraduates who will find it a useful stepping-stone to the advanced literature.
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Providing an introduction to the fascinating subject of black holes, this book is suitable for advanced undergraduates and first year postgraduates. It offers an introduction to the exact solutions of Einstein's vacuum field equations, describing spherical and axisymmetric (rotating) black holes.
Unfortunately, another monstrous quake struck six hours later at 8 o’clock in the morning. The aftershock released as much violent terror as the first. But this time, the total effect was visible. “She’s coming back on us, Sir!” the pilot screeched. “What is, Jack?” “The entire river, Sir!” the befuddled fellow pointed. “The current has reversed!” “Steer into it, man!” Roosevelt barked. “Don’t let the leading wave swamp us!” Aware of necessity, the engineer jerked the firebox damper open and shoveled more coal. The rapid side wheel responded, and the New Orleans quickened her pace, leaving a plume of ash and glowing cinders in the boat’s wake. Bucking like a wild horse, the steamship plowed into the rolling billow. Crashing through the ridge of water, the bow lifted and dropped between each intervening trough and peak. Within four hours, another massive tumult battered the torn earth and roiled the troubled tide. The horrific midday shock whipped a bleak veil of dust and vile gas overhead. The revolting mist obliterated every scrap of blue sky and blotted the beaming sun.
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