Six Not-So-Easy Pieces

The title of this book probably scares off many readers, but it need not do so. This book is a sequel to Feynman's "Six Easy Pieces". Both books consist of lectures taken from Feynman's three volume lecture series, which was used for a two-year introductory physics course at Cal Tech. "Six Not So Easy Pieces" is not as easy as "Six Easy Pieces". The latter is accessible to most high school students, but the former is not. The not so easy pieces are: · Vectors · Symmetry in Physical Laws · Relativistic Energy and Momentum · Space-Time · Curved Space "Six Easy Pieces" was a bit unfocused because it covered a number of different topics. In contrast, "Six Not So Easy Pieces" is focused on just one topic, Relativity Theory. Feynman uses each topic to build up to Einstein's theory of gravitation, which is not the easiest subject to grasp. Relativity theory is generally covered in one of two ways. Some books give a general treatment, focusing on the many implications of the theory, with no mathematics. At the other extreme are texts that require considerable knowledge of matrix algebra and differential equations. This book takes a middle ground. There is some math, but only some simple algebra and vector analysis. (The vector analysis does go beyond what is taught in high school, venturing into 4 dimensional vectors, but Feynman shows this to be only a modest extension from the typical 3 dimensional vectors.) Feynman dispenses with the usual introduction to relativity theory that employs moving trains and lightening strikes. Instead he starts with a superb analysis of the Michelson-Morley experiment (alone this is worth the price of the book) and the Lorenz transformation that was developed to explain the null result that Michelson-Morley obtained. He then uses this as the starting point for the analysis of special relativity. This is followed with a discussion of relativistic energy and momentum, subjects that are generally left out of "popular" treatments of relativity theory. The final chapter discusses curved space and Einstein's theory of gravity. These topics will be hard for people without some basic physics background, but are not too advanced for the intended audience of college undergraduates, although Feynman admitted that only the best students did as well as he had hoped. As with all of Feynman's books there is a wealth of knowledge packed a small package (in this case a bit less than 150 pages) and while these six lectures are not a substitute for a complete course in the special and general theories of relativity, it does hit the highlights and as usual provides very valuable insights for readers with all levels of knowledge.

Brilliant lecture; quite clearly informative about some of those difficult theoretical science "tangles" of modern day physics. I plan to read R. P. Feynman's other published lectures. But for now, at least I have a better, basic understanding of how one gets from point A to point B, and why it matters. However, it is helpful to remember some Euclidean geometry and vector equations to keep from getting totally lost along the way. Sometimes I found myself reading several sections twice or three times over, just to make certain that I was grasping the material. Given the world's growing population and the looming climate change America's governments are especially so unwilling to deal with, I would recommend that more of earth's inhabitants acquaint themselves with Professor Feynman lecture materials, in preparation for moving to another planet, or perhaps another galaxy, even. Astrophysicists have been quietly discovering thousands of planetary systems, outside of the Milky Way. And they appear remarkably unique. In some, a gas giant, like Jupiter, has it orbit closest to its sun, while planets of smaller masses are further out. A brave new world! No one is certain if the current acceleration of our expanding universe, as we know it, will ever slow down, for our space probes and our inhabited space ships to reach any of those alternatives "to life on earth." So, as one prepares for the eventual colonization of other planets, we had better make certain that Plan B, "living on earth," remains viable for us to fall back on, if absolutely necessary.

If you have studied Special or General Relativity in college, nothing can compare to Feynman’s treatise. Taken directly from his Caltech lecture volumes.

The book was really good at explaining concepts that we don't deal with in detail in undergrad physics classes, it offered one of the best explanations of Special Relativity I've seen so far and it definitely succeeds at what it promises. There are a few jumps in reasoning that might have been done to keep it brief, but after reading for 1 or 2 times I was able to grasp the concepts in a sufficient manner. If you're buying this boo to aid you in an undergraduate physics class then I do not recommend, but if you're looking for a book to build Intuition for physical concepts relating to relativity and quantum mechanics, then I recommend it without a doubt.

Great read, what a life, a brilliant man

When I was a boy, our advanced math teacher said (something to the effect that) only a handful of people understood Special Relativity when Einstein first came up with it. So I had the impression that Special Relativity is something difficult to understand. But thanks to this book by Feynman, I think anyone can understand Special Relativity with a little effort. (It's probably easier for people with high school math, but I suspect it's possible to understand Special Relativity even without high school math.) That said, I do have some background in high school math, and I read the book twice. (Making written notes the second time.) And admittedly, I probably haven't understood everything about Special Relativity. But I do feel that I understand Special Relativity enough to be able to explain what it is (and why it's true) to someone else (who is interested). Thank you, Mr Feynman, for taking the trouble! And thank you to the editors and publishers for making Mr Feynman's work available to the general public.

This is not a traditional layman's book as it does assume some background in calculus and physics -- but it is not overloaded with endless mathematical equations, just the critical ones. If it's difficult to appreciate the meaning of an equation like F = d(mv)/dt -- then it's probably best to skip the book -- but if it resonates with you, the book is very approachable. Though his style is informal, Feynman's words are carefully chosen. It is not especially long -- but it should be read very carefully. The book contains excerpts from his famous lecture series -- this particular collection focusing primarily on special relativity with some vector math, symmetry, and a touch of general relativity tossed in. If you have a layman's working knowledge of special relativity, this is a nice way to cement it into place with a very intuitive development from a moderately basic level.

This is a great book if you are interested in physics. Read it, you won’t regret it (most likely). 👍

E' la terza o quarta volta che compro questo libro per regalarlo a qualche studente bravo che prende la laurea triennale in Fisica, nella speranza di fargli venir voglia di diventare come Feynman.

Livro realmente muito bom! Feymann explica de maneira "simples" assuntos complexos, apesar das dificuldades e especificidades, dentro do livro alguns assuntos como derivadas e limites são abordados... Recomendo não começar a ler esses assuntos por ele, recomendo lê-lo após ter um conhecimento maior ma área.

This is a great introduction to 20th century physics, which is still very much relevant today.

For a genius to be a genius, is one thing. For a genius to be also a great teacher is the mark of a truly great genius! I am not a physicist. However, I have a love of the maths and sciences as they broaden our understanding of the natural world and reveal it to be a thing of great but hidden beauty. When Richard Feynman wrote this book, it is obvious to the reader that he loved to teach. The math is reasonably easy to follow. One of course should know how to manipulate algebraic equations and grasp geometric concepts. But what makes this an outstanding book is that this man knew how to take abstract concepts and make them understandable to the reader. Furthermore, he did this in a way that lightens the reader's intellectual journey with clever analogies, a touch of humour and a seemingly casual manner that captivates his audience. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to gain a real basis of understanding of this otherwise arcane subject. Read it. Learn. It's well worth the effort!

I read this book a long time ago when I was young. However, I discarded the book at 75 to prepare for the end of my physical life. Now I am 78 and forgot how Einstein showed his equation E = mc^2 in his theory of special relativity. Feynman explains the derivation of the equation very clearly. A good physics book!