This book is a lucid and concise introduction to general relativity, written by a tiny spacetime bug who inhabits the four-dimensional spacetime. Knowing every corner of its environment, the bug loves to share with you what it has learned and understood about this marvelous theory, which represents humans' latest understanding about space, time, and motion.
General relativity is a cornerstone of modern physics. At present, it stands proudly alongside quantum mechanics. If you want to look far and deep into the universe, and learn about its wonders and mysteries, you need a knowledge of this theory.
This is an intellectual journey that cannot be missed.
Hello !
I'm a bug that lives in the 4-dimensional spacetime.
General relativity represents humans' latest understanding about space, time, and motion at the macroscopic scale. It is used for the study of black holes and the universe itself. Yes, our vast universe is full of wonders and mysteries.
But the microscopic picture of gravity is still an open question. So much is known about general relativity, but so much more remains unknown, to be discovered.
If you want to understand general relativity, join me! I have been through all the difficulties that may be encountered while learning the theory. This book is a deep, lucid, and the most insightful introduction to the theory.
Unlike most other books, this book presents the physical principles of the theory as well as the relevant mathematical techniques in a direct, careful, and profound manner. At the end of the journey, you'll have acquired a deep understanding of general relativity.
The book shows all calculations in complete detail. It also contains exercises with full solutions provided.
In simple and direct language, I will guide you gently and thoroughly through the physical ideas and mathematical techniques of this wonderful theory. Join me in this journey to one of the frontiers of human knowledge, at the end of which you will:
Introduction
From Newton to Einstein
Chapter 1
The Problem of Gravity
Chapter 2
Newtonian Gravity
Chapter 3
Special Relativity
Chapter 4
Flat and Curved Spaces
Chapter 5
The Geometry of Spacetime
Chapter 6
The Einstein Field Equations
Chapter 7
Black Holes
Chapter 8
Cosmology
End
Some Closing Words