Book Suggestion for Tensor Calculus

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around suggestions for books on tensor calculus, particularly in the context of learning it for applications in General Relativity. Participants share their recommendations and inquire about the specific goals of learning tensor calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks what the purpose of learning tensor calculus is, seeking to understand the context of the inquiry.
  • Another participant specifies that the goal is to learn tensor calculus for General Relativity.
  • A suggestion is made to start with Landau & Lifshitz volume 2, highlighting its coverage of both General Relativity and essential tensor calculus in a concise manner, particularly focusing on Ricci calculus with holonomous bases.
  • For those interested in more modern approaches, the same participant recommends Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler's book "Gravitation."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on a single book recommendation, as different suggestions are made based on varying preferences for learning styles and approaches.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address the specific prerequisites for understanding tensor calculus or the varying levels of difficulty among the suggested texts.

Istiak
Messages
158
Reaction score
12
Homework Statement:: Book suggestion
Relevant Equations:: Calculus

Book suggestion for tensor calculus.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
dextercioby said:
What do you want to learn tensor calculus for?
for General Relativity
 
I'd start with Landau&Lifshitz vol. 2. There you get both GR and the necessary tensor calculus in the most economic form, i.e., just Ricci calculus using holonomous bases. For more modern approaches, then see Misner, Thorne, Wheeler, Gravitation.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Alaindevos and Delta2

Similar threads

Replies
33
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
11K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
41
Views
6K