What class is general relativity taught in?

Thread starter HeLiXe
Start date Dec 30, 2012
Tags

Class General General relativity Relativity

In summary: GR is relevant to research in quantum gravity and string theory, but is not commonly taken up by physicists other than the few who specialize in it. GR is a full fundamental force of nature, gravity, and should be understood by any graduate physicist.

Jan 4, 2013

HeLiXe

Thanks for your response ahsanxr :) At the present moment my math background is moderately weak...I have only taken calc I-III and ordinary differential equations. I intend to take linear algebra, advanced algebra, vector analysis, numerical analysis and number theory. I also want to take probability and statistics but am undecided about it in light of the information I gathered from this thread.

It is so exciting that you are going to be taking a GR class next semester! All the best to you!

<h2>1. What is general relativity?</h2><p>General relativity is a theory of gravity developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It describes how massive objects, such as planets and stars, interact with each other and how this interaction affects the fabric of space and time.</p><h2>2. What class is general relativity typically taught in?</h2><p>General relativity is typically taught in advanced physics courses at the undergraduate or graduate level. It may also be offered as an elective in some engineering or astronomy programs.</p><h2>3. Do I need a strong background in math to understand general relativity?</h2><p>Yes, a strong understanding of calculus and linear algebra is necessary to fully comprehend general relativity. It is also helpful to have a basic understanding of differential equations and tensor calculus.</p><h2>4. Are there any prerequisites for taking a class on general relativity?</h2><p>Yes, most courses on general relativity require students to have a strong foundation in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and special relativity. Some courses may also require knowledge of quantum mechanics.</p><h2>5. What are some real-world applications of general relativity?</h2><p>General relativity has many practical applications, including the prediction of the existence of black holes and the use of gravitational lensing in astronomy. It is also used in GPS technology and in the study of the expansion of the universe.</p>

1. What is general relativity?

General relativity is a theory of gravity developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It describes how massive objects, such as planets and stars, interact with each other and how this interaction affects the fabric of space and time.

2. What class is general relativity typically taught in?

General relativity is typically taught in advanced physics courses at the undergraduate or graduate level. It may also be offered as an elective in some engineering or astronomy programs.

3. Do I need a strong background in math to understand general relativity?

Yes, a strong understanding of calculus and linear algebra is necessary to fully comprehend general relativity. It is also helpful to have a basic understanding of differential equations and tensor calculus.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking a class on general relativity?

Yes, most courses on general relativity require students to have a strong foundation in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and special relativity. Some courses may also require knowledge of quantum mechanics.

5. What are some real-world applications of general relativity?

General relativity has many practical applications, including the prediction of the existence of black holes and the use of gravitational lensing in astronomy. It is also used in GPS technology and in the study of the expansion of the universe.