This book, suitable for interested post-16 school pupils or undergraduates looking for a supplement to their course text, develops our modern view of space-time and its implications in the theories of gravity and cosmology. While aspects of this topic are inevitably abstract, the book seeks to ground thinking in observational and experimental evidence where possible. In addition, some of Einstein’s philosophical thoughts are explored and contrasted with our modern views.

Written in an accessible yet rigorous style, Jonathan Allday, a highly accomplished writer, brings his trademark clarity and engagement to these fascinating subjects, which underpin so much of modern physics.

Features:

• Restricted use of advanced mathematics, making the book suitable for post-16 students and undergraduates
• Contains discussions of key modern developments in quantum gravity, and the latest developments in the field, including results from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
• Accompanied by appendices on the CRC Press website featuring detailed mathematical arguments for key derivations

Jonathan Allday teaches physics at Woodhouse Grove School where he is also Director of Digital Strategy.

After taking his first degree in physics at Cambridge, he moved to Liverpool University where he gained a PhD in particle physics in 1989. While carrying out his research, he joined with a group of academics and teachers working on an optional syllabus to be incorporated into A-level Physics. This new option was designed to bring students up to date on advances in particle physics and cosmology. An examining board accepted the syllabus in 1993 and now similar components appear on most advanced courses and some aimed at GCSE level.

Shortly after this, Jonathan started work on Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang, published by CRC Press and now in its 3rd edition, which was intended as a rigorous but accessible introduction to these topics. Since then he has also written Apollo in Perspectiveand Quantum Reality, also published by CRC, as well as co-authoring various textbooks for 16+ level, most prominently Advanced Physics from the well-respected OUP series of Advanced Science books. He is also active writing articles for Physics Review which is a journal intended for 16+ physicists.

Outside of teaching physics, Jonathan has a keen interest in cricket and Formula 1, although no ability in either sport. He and his wife Carolyn live in Yorkshire and spend a reasonable amount of time wandering the country following their three children in their sporting endeavours. While his eldest son somehow found his way into Accountancy via Psychology, his middle son is reading Physics at Bristol and his youngest is completing A levels and hoping to read philosophy.