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Dieses Lehrbuch gibt eine gelungene Einführung in die wichtigsten theoretischen Grundlagen zum Verständnis des Universums, von der Physik Newtons über weitere relevante Theorien bis hin zu der modernen Theorie der Quantengravitation.

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An accessible and intermediate level presentation introducing the crucial theoretical ingredients to understand the universe, starting from the physics of Newton and subsequent theories all the way to the modern enigma of quantum gravity.

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Written by a well-known author in the field, this book presents a modern understanding of the universe based on relativity, quantum physics and their elusive combination. It introduces the crucial theoretical ingredients in an accessible way, starting from the physics of Newton and developing subsequent theories all the way to the modern enigma of quantum gravity. The intermediate level presentation assumes only a general knowledge of math and physics, adopting a "two-level" approach: equations are retained throughout the chapters but set apart from the main text in boxes to allow for lay readers to understand the book.
For scientists, researchers, students and lecturers in cosmology, astronomy, gravitation, quantum and theoretical physics; as well as mathematicians, students, lecturers, academics and non-experts in related fields with an interest in the subject.

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1 The Universe I 1

1.1 Newtonian Gravity 1

1.2 Planets and Stars 43

1.3 Cosmology 52

2 Relativity 61

2.1 Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics 61

2.2 Special Relativity 74

2.3 General Relativity 134

3 The Universe II 173

3.1 Planets and Stars 174

3.2 Black Holes 190

3.3 Cosmology 201

4 Quantum Physics 217

4.1 Waves 218

4.2 States 235

4.3 Measurements 264

5 The Universe III 283

5.1 Stars 284

5.2 Elements 290

5.3 Particles 296

6 Quantum Gravity 305

6.1 Quantum Cosmology 308

6.2 Unification 312

6.3 Space-Time Atoms 324

7 The Universe IV 339

7.1 Big Bang 340

7.2 Black Holes 347

7.3 Tests 351

Acknowledgement 357

Index 359

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"There is no comparable book currently available. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through graduate students; informed general audiences." ( Choice , 1 November 2013)

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