Advanced Mechanics and General Relativity
Cambridge University Press, 7/8/2010
EAN 9780521762458, ISBN10: 0521762456
Hardcover, 384 pages, 25.4 x 18.4 x 2.5 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
Aimed at advanced undergraduates with background knowledge of classical mechanics and electricity and magnetism, this textbook presents both the particle dynamics relevant to general relativity, and the field dynamics necessary to understand the theory. Focusing on action extremization, the book develops the structure and predictions of general relativity by analogy with familiar physical systems. Topics ranging from classical field theory to minimal surfaces and relativistic strings are covered in a homogeneous manner. Nearly 150 exercises and numerous examples throughout the textbook enable students to test their understanding of the material covered. A tensor manipulation package to help students overcome the computational challenge associated with general relativity is available on a site hosted by the author. A link to this and to a solutions manual can be found at www.cambridge.org/9780521762458.
1. Newtonian gravity
2. Relativistic mechanics
3. Tensors
4. Curved space
5. Scalar field theory
6. Tensor field theory
7. Schwarzschild space-time
8. Gravitational radiation
9. Additional topics
References
Index.