Exploring Scalar/Tensor/Scalar-Tensor Theories - A Guide

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In summary, there are various theories, such as scalar, tensor, and scalar-tensor, that are used to explain gravity. If you are looking for a resource that discusses these theories, Clifford Will's 2014 update on "The Confrontation between General Relativity and Experiment" could be a good starting point. Other places to look include Living Reviews in Relativity and Physics Reports. Additionally, you may want to look for recent conference proceedings or review articles on alternative theories of gravity.
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Arman777
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Is there a book or article that discusses the scalar/tensor/scalar-tensor (maybe others as well) theories ? (Look at this wiki page for a general overview of the theories that I am talking about)

So, I am looking for a book that discusses these theories either in general or in detail. It does not have to include all of these theories, it could include some of them as well, but I am mostly interested in scalar/tensor/scalar-tensor ones.

Thanks.
 
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Clifford Will's 2014 update might be a good starting point.
The Confrontation between General Relativity and Experiment - Clifford M. Will
Living Reviews in Relativity, volume 17, Article number: 4 (2014)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.12942/lrr-2014-4

Places to look:

Living Reviews in Relativity
https://www.springer.com/journal/41114

Physics Reports
https://www.sciencedirect.com/search?pub=Physics Reports&cid=271542&qs=gravity

One might also look for recent "conference proceedings"
where "[tests of] alternative theories of gravity" is either the main topic
or is one subtopic.

Of course, one may have to track down the latest updates or summaries
from the various groups that work on specific approaches.

Maybe someone has written a review article on various approaches.
(I am thinking of something analogous to this one for quantum gravity
by Ashtekar and Geroch (1974):
Quantum theory of gravitation
A Ashtekar and R Geroch 1974 Rep. Prog. Phys. 37 1211
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0034-4885/37/10/001 .)
 
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1. What is the difference between scalar, tensor, and scalar-tensor theories?

Scalar, tensor, and scalar-tensor theories are different types of mathematical frameworks used to describe the behavior of physical systems. Scalar theories involve only scalar quantities, which are numbers that do not have direction. Tensor theories involve tensors, which are mathematical objects that describe the relationship between different physical quantities. Scalar-tensor theories combine both scalar and tensor quantities to provide a more comprehensive description of physical phenomena.

2. What are some real-world applications of scalar, tensor, and scalar-tensor theories?

Scalar, tensor, and scalar-tensor theories have a wide range of applications in physics and engineering. Some examples include describing the behavior of fluids, predicting the motion of celestial bodies, and understanding the properties of materials. They are also used in fields such as computer graphics and machine learning.

3. How do scalar, tensor, and scalar-tensor theories relate to Einstein's theory of general relativity?

Einstein's theory of general relativity is a specific type of scalar-tensor theory. It describes the relationship between matter and the curvature of spacetime, and has been extremely successful in explaining many observations in the universe. Other scalar-tensor theories may differ in their specific mathematical formulations, but they all build upon the principles of general relativity.

4. What are some challenges in exploring scalar, tensor, and scalar-tensor theories?

One of the main challenges in exploring these theories is the complexity of the mathematics involved. They often require advanced mathematical techniques and can be difficult to solve for certain systems. Additionally, there is still much to be understood about these theories and their limitations, which requires further research and experimentation.

5. How are scalar, tensor, and scalar-tensor theories being used in current scientific research?

Scientists are currently using these theories in a variety of research areas, such as cosmology, astrophysics, and high energy physics. They are also being applied in engineering fields, such as aerospace and materials science. In addition, there is ongoing research to develop new and improved versions of these theories that can better explain and predict physical phenomena.

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