B Learn Relativity Theory: Math Education Needed?

modeler
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What knowledge based are needed in relativity theory, not general public science education level, but true and mathematically.
I have calculus and linear algebra education in university, Chinese engineering degree, quite rigorous in math education. Can I actually pick up relativity theory myself now?
 
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Calculus and linear algebra should be enough prerequisites in order to start understanding special relativity. The assumption is of course that you sit down with and work through a good textbook on the subject.
 
Hi modeler, welcome to PF!

Yes, your math background is sufficient for special relativity. For general relativity you will need to learn tensors, which are not too difficult but the notation is a bit odd at first.
 
Thread 'Can this experiment break Lorentz symmetry?'

Thread 'Can this experiment break Lorentz symmetry?'

1. The Big Idea: According to Einstein’s relativity, all motion is relative. You can’t tell if you’re moving at a constant velocity without looking outside. But what if there is a universal “rest frame” (like the old idea of the “ether”)? This experiment tries to find out by looking for tiny, directional differences in how objects move inside a sealed box. 2. How It Works: The Two-Stage Process Imagine a perfectly isolated spacecraft (our lab) moving through space at some unknown speed V...
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Thread '1-Way Speed of Light'

Does the speed of light change in a gravitational field depending on whether the direction of travel is parallel to the field, or perpendicular to the field? And is it the same in both directions at each orientation? This question could be answered experimentally to some degree of accuracy. Experiment design: Place two identical clocks A and B on the circumference of a wheel at opposite ends of the diameter of length L. The wheel is positioned upright, i.e., perpendicular to the ground...
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Thread 'How can a black hole absorb matter?'

According to the General Theory of Relativity, time does not pass on a black hole, which means that processes they don't work either. As the object becomes heavier, the speed of matter falling on it for an observer on Earth will first increase, and then slow down, due to the effect of time dilation. And then it will stop altogether. As a result, we will not get a black hole, since the critical mass will not be reached. Although the object will continue to attract matter, it will not be a...
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