General theory of relativity clearly explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around resources for learning the general theory of relativity (GR), with participants seeking recommendations for materials that provide clear explanations and graphical representations. The conversation touches on the necessary mathematical background and foundational concepts, including the special theory of relativity and tensors.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty navigating Wikipedia for learning GR and requests better links.
  • Another participant inquires about the original poster's background in physics and math.
  • A participant mentions understanding Lorentz transformations but struggling with tensors and visualizing applications of GR.
  • Suggestions for resources include Taylor's "Exploring Black Holes," Geroch's "General Relativity from A to B," and various online materials.
  • Some participants recommend learning about tensors in the context of classical electromagnetism before applying them to GR.
  • Multiple participants suggest Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler's "Gravitation" as a comprehensive resource, noting its advanced treatment of the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for a solid mathematical foundation and the importance of understanding special relativity before tackling general relativity. However, there is no consensus on which specific resources are the best for learning, as multiple suggestions are provided.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the challenge of visualizing concepts in GR and the varying levels of mathematical rigor in the suggested resources. There is also mention of the need for graphical explanations, indicating a preference for visual learning aids.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals new to general relativity, particularly those seeking guidance on foundational knowledge and resource recommendations for studying the theory effectively.

aditya23456
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I m new to general theory of relativity,so I would like to study it but wikipedia has so many links which is really difficult to sort..Anyone please suggest a better link so that I can learn GR without any difficulty.THANKS IN ADVANCE
 
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What background do yo have in physics and math?
 
physics...but can understand maths if explained a bit descriptively..I can't get manifold concept clearly..So a link with better mathematical understanding is what I m searching for..thanks if you help me out for this..
 
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Do you already know much about the special theory of relativity? You need to know that before you move on to the general theory.
 
Yea..I understood lorentz transformation but with tensors it has been a mystery for me..I can't visualise the situation which is needed for learning application of GR
 
please. can anyone post a link explaining stuff graphically and application point of view.!
 
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I'd suggest Taylor's "Exploring Black Holes". You'll eventually have to buy the book if you like it, but you can find the first two chapters online at Taylor's website:
http://www.eftaylor.com/download.html#general_relativity

Also worthy of note is "General Relativity from A to B" by Geroch (which is also a book).

Ben Crowell, a sometimes moderator here, also has a free online book, I'm not quite sure where it's at.

Finally, if it's tensors that are the issue, and if you are already familiar with electromagnetism to some extent, you might try learning about them in the context of classical electromagnetism first. I think Griffiths and Jackson's E&M books both have at least a little bit about tensors.

[add]Jackson isn't particularly math-friendly (understatement), but it's still easier to learn tensors in a familiar context before trying to apply them to GR.
 
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pervect said:
I think Griffiths and Jackson's E&M books both have at least a little bit about tensors.

Griffiths has what looks like a decent introduction to tensors in the context of SR and E&M, although I've never actually worked my way through it myself.
 
  • #10
Yale Relativitylectures here

Ben Crowell's book here:

http://www.lightandmatter.com/html_books/genrel/ A summary of GR here:

http://brucel.spoonfedrelativity.com/

And a hodgepodge of links:

http://casa.colorado.edu/~ajsh/relativity.html

and Special Relativity http://casa.colorado.edu/~ajsh/sr/sr.shtml:
 
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  • #11
I suggest to get a copy of Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler - Gravitation. It's a big, thick book, but filled with clear explanations. There are copies available online.
 
  • #12
phyzguy said:
I suggest to get a copy of Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler - Gravitation. It's a big, thick book, but filled with clear explanations. There are copies available online.

I like MTW - it'll be a more advanced treatment than "Exploring black holes", however.
 

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