Introduction to general relativity

In summary, General relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that describes the effects of gravity on objects in space and time. It differs from Newton's theory of gravity by being based on the concept of curved spacetime rather than force. The significance of spacetime curvature is that it explains the effects of gravity, such as the orbit of planets and falling objects. General relativity also explains time dilation, where time moves slower in stronger gravitational fields. The theory has practical applications, including predicting black holes, explaining the bending of light, and correcting GPS signals. It also provides a framework for understanding the universe's structure and evolution.
  • #1
Silviu
624
11
Hello! What book should I use as an introduction to General Relativity? Something that includes an introduction of the math behind GR (tensors for example) would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
Hartle -a wonderful book.

A review of the book is here.
 

What is general relativity?

General relativity is a theory of gravitation developed by Albert Einstein in 1915. It describes the effects of gravity on objects in space and time, and it is considered one of the most important theories in modern physics.

How does general relativity differ from Newton's theory of gravity?

Newton's theory of gravity is based on the concept of force, while general relativity is based on the concept of curved spacetime. In general relativity, gravity is described as the curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy.

What is the significance of the curvature of spacetime in general relativity?

The curvature of spacetime in general relativity explains the effects of gravity. Objects with mass cause spacetime to bend, and this bending influences the motion of other objects in the vicinity. This explains why planets orbit around stars and why objects fall towards the Earth.

How does general relativity explain the phenomenon of time dilation?

According to general relativity, time is relative and can be affected by the presence of gravity. In other words, time moves slower in stronger gravitational fields. This has been confirmed by experiments, such as the Hafele-Keating experiment, which showed that time moves slower for objects closer to the Earth's surface.

What are the practical applications of general relativity?

General relativity has several practical applications, including the prediction of the existence of black holes, the explanation of the bending of light around massive objects, and the correction of GPS signals for time dilation effects. It also provides a framework for understanding the structure and evolution of the universe.

Similar threads

  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
4
Views
945
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
5
Views
957
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
7
Views
4K
Back
Top