An Introduction to General Relativity: 5 (London Mathematical Society Student Texts, Series Number 5) - Softcover

Hughston, L. P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 052133943X ISBN 13: 9780521339438

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1991

Synopsis

This textbook provides an introduction to general relativity for mathematics undergraduates or graduate physicists. After a review of Cartesian tensor notation and special relativity the concepts of Riemannian differential geometry are introducted. More emphasis is placed on an intuitive grasp of the subject and a calculational facility than on a rigorous mathematical exposition. General relativity is then presented as a relativistic theory of gravity reducing in the appropriate limits to Newtonian gravity or special relativity. The Schwarzchild solution is derived and the gravitational red-shift, time dilation and classic tests of general relativity are discussed. There is a brief account of gravitational collapse and black holes based on the extended Schwarzchild solution. Other vacuum solutions are described, motivated by their counterparts in linearised general relativity. The book ends with chapters on cosmological solutions to the field equations. There are exercises attached to each chapter, some of which extend the development given in the text.

About this title

Review

"...the authors guide the novice along a careful, well-planned route that provides a pleasing balance between the demands of the mathematics and those of the physics." Mathematical Reviews

"...very readable...more emphasis is placed on an intuitive grasp of the subject and a calculational facility than on a rigorous mathematical exposition." Quarterly of Applied MAthematics, Brown University

Book Description

This textbook provides an introduction to general relativity for mathematics undergraduates and graduate physicists. It introduces Riemannian differential geometry and derives the Schwarzchild solution. There is an account of gravitational collapse and black holes based on the extended Schwarzchild solution, as well as a discussion of other vacuum solutions.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 052133943X
• ISBN 13: 9780521339438
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192