Mastering GTR to Tackling Problems on Curved Space

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Ravi Mohan
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around self-study of General Relativity (GTR), specifically focusing on the challenges of understanding curved space as presented in Dirac's book. Participants are seeking resources and problems to enhance their comprehension of the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in grasping the concepts of curved space as introduced in Dirac's book and seeks additional problems for practice.
  • Another participant recommends a different book, suggesting it is essential for serious study of General Relativity, claiming that it contains instructive problems that would aid understanding and calculations.
  • A participant acknowledges the recommendation but defends their choice of Dirac's book, stating they enjoy studying it despite its perceived outdatedness.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange regarding the enjoyment of studying Dirac's book, indicating a personal preference for its content.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the value of Dirac's book, with some viewing it as outdated while others appreciate its content. The discussion reflects differing opinions on preferred resources for learning GTR.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of comfort with the material and differing opinions on the appropriateness of the resources being used for study. No specific problems or exercises are provided in the discussion.

Ravi Mohan
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Hi

I am teaching myself GTR from Dirac's book (https://www.amazon.com/dp/069101146X/?tag=pfamazon01-20). Although, he quiet elegantly introduces the notion of curved space and the associated mathematics, I am not getting comfortable with it.

I was wondering if there is a collection of problems which I can work on to test my understanding of the subject. Google is not of much help.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/069108162X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 If you're serious about GR then this book is an absolute must. Almost every problem in it is extremely instructive and will do wonders for your understanding of GR and ability to do GR calculations.

As an aside, Dirac's book is extremely outdated. I have no idea why you are using it to learn GR. Rest assured you are not doing yourself any favors by using it, quite the opposite really.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you very much for the link.

WannabeNewton said:
As an aside, Dirac's book is extremely outdated. I have no idea why you are using it to learn GR. Rest assured you are not doing yourself any favors by using it, quite the opposite really.
I enjoy studying it (so that is indeed a favor :)). But again thank you for the heads up. I would leave the modern GTR for graduate school.
 
Ravi Mohan said:
I enjoy studying it (so that is indeed a favor :)).

Haha well I can't argue with that :smile:
 

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