String theory and general relativity resources at Caltech

[Tyger]

Short but interesting descriptions of several subjects, e.g. string theory and general relativity.

http://www.theory.caltech.edu/people/patricia/index.html

 

[Tail]

Are you talking about the page that says:
For example, Archimedes' rule tells us that the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle equals the sum of the squares of two sides. That rule actually defines a space metric called the "flat" metric or the "Euclidean metric" in two space dimensions.

'Interesting' is all I can say.

 

[Hurkyl]

Where'd you see that quote? The pages I skimmed attributed the pythagorean theorem to Pythagoras.

 

[Tail]

You go to 'Theoretical Physics Fun', then 'Solve The Einstein Equations Yourself', then 'Solving Einstein's Equation in Three Dimensions', then 'What Is the Spacetime Geometry?', then 'A Few key concepts for the brave.

In other words, http://www.theory.caltech.edu/people/patricia/test/Einstein33.html .

And do note not only the pfact the theorem is attributed to the wrong person, but what it actually says here... I myself have never seen THIS in action: 'hypotenuse of a right triangle equals the sum of the squares of two sides'.