This introductory textbook on the general theory of relativity presents a solid foundation for those who want to learn about relativity. The subject is presented in a physically intuitive, but mathematically rigorous style. The topicof relativity is covered in a broad and deep manner. Besides, the aim is thatafter reading the book a student should not feel discouraged when she opens advanced texts on general relativity for further reading. The book consists of three parts: (1) An introduction to the general theory of relativity, (2) geometrical mathematical background material, and (3) topics that include the action principle, weak gravitational fields and gravitational waves, Schwarzschildand Kerr solution, and the Friedman equation in cosmology. The book is suitable for advanced graduates and graduates, but also for established researchers wishing to be educated about the field. Physically intuitive, but mathematically rigorous writing style Early introduction to geometric quantities to allowsstudents to learn simpler topics in general relativity (Newtonian limit, Schwarzschild solution, bending of light in a gravitational field, ...) Approved in lectures given by the author for several years INDICE: I.Spacetime: 1. Introduction.- 2. What is Curvature?.- 3. General relativity basics.- 4. Spherically symmetric gravitational field.- II. Geometry: 5. Vectors and Tensors.- 6. Inner Product.- 7. Elementary Differential Geometry.- 8. Connection and Curvature.- 9. Riemannian geometry.- 10. Some More Geometry.- III. Gravitation: 11. The Einstein Equation.- 12. General features ofspacetime.- 13. Weak Gravitational fields.- 14. Schwarzschild and Kerr solutions.- 15. Cosmology.
- ISBN: 978-3-7643-9970-2
- Editorial: Birkhaüser
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 350
- Fecha Publicación: 01/08/2009
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés