Mathmatics Needed: Learn Special & General Relativity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical prerequisites necessary for studying special and general relativity. Participants explore various mathematical areas and concepts that may be beneficial or required for understanding these theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the mathematical areas needed before learning special and general relativity.
  • Another participant suggests linear algebra, basic knowledge of tensors, and the ability to interpret data from diagrams or graphs as foundational skills.
  • A different participant asserts that for special relativity, only basic calculus and linear algebra are necessary, while for general relativity, tensor calculus and differential geometry are essential, along with a solid understanding of special relativity.
  • Additional suggestions include learning Euclidean and Riemannian geometry using vector and tensor methods, and the importance of drawing and interpreting spacetime diagrams.
  • Several participants express interest in resources for learning about spacetime diagrams and tensors, with one providing a link to a website, while cautioning that it should not be the starting point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a range of views on the necessary mathematical background, with some suggesting minimal prerequisites while others emphasize the need for more advanced topics. No consensus is reached on a definitive list of required mathematical areas.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various mathematical concepts and their relevance to relativity, but there is no agreement on a comprehensive or universally applicable list of prerequisites.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in studying special and general relativity, particularly those seeking guidance on the mathematical foundations required for these theories.

THE 1
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I was just wondering if anyone is able to give me a list of mathmatical areas that i will need to learn before i am able to start to learn about the special and general therories of relativity?
 
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linear algebra(vectors/matices) and some basic knowledge of tensors and understanding mathematical proofs..oh yeah and how to take data from a diagram/graph
 
SR: Nothing really. Presumably you know basic calculus and linear algebra.

GR: They'll teach you most of the math as you go, but it's quite intensive. You should have classical mechanics and SR, and classical field theory (EM). Linear algebra is a strong prerequisite - the subject is heavy with multilinear algebra and tensors.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
THE 1 said:
I was just wondering if anyone is able to give me a list of mathmatical areas that i will need to learn before i am able to start to learn about the special and general therories of relativity?

To learn SR, you need only high school algebra.

To learn GR you will need tensor calculus and differential geometry - and a good knowledge of SR. Other elements of physics would also be extremely handy - for instance, a tensor-oriented view of SR & electromagnetism (ala Jackson), and some knowledge of classical hydrodynamics (much more sensible to learn it in flat space-time first than trying to master it in curved).
 
in addition to linear algebra (mentioned above),
learn euclidean and riemannian geometry using vector and tensor methods.
Learn to draw and interpret spacetime diagrams.

Pay attention to the mathematical definitions and their physical interpretation.
 
robphy said:
.
Learn to draw and interpret spacetime diagrams..

Do you know of any good websites where I could learn this?
 
THE 1 said:
Do you know of any good websites where I could learn this?
Here is one for tensors:

http://vishnu.mth.uct.ac.za/omei/gr/

Do not start with this. You will use it much later , when you get to coordinate-independent SR/GR
 
Last edited by a moderator:
THE 1 said:
robphy said:
Learn to draw and interpret spacetime diagrams..
Do you know of any good websites where I could learn this?

Have you googled spacetime diagrams?
 

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