Paperback : HK$227.00
General relativity is a subject that most undergraduates in physics are particularly curious about, but it has a reputation for being very difficult. This book provides as gentle an introduction to general relativity as possible, leading you through the necessary mathematics in order to arrive at important results. Of course, you cannot avoid the mathematics of general relativity altogether, but, using this book, you can gain an appreciation of tensors and differential geometry at a pace you can keep up with. Early chapters build up to a complete derivation of Einstein's Equations, while the final chapters cover the key applications on black holes, cosmology and gravitational waves. It is designed as a coursebook with just enough material to cover in a one-semester undergraduate class, but it is also accessible to any numerate readers who wish to appreciate the power and beauty of Einstein's creation for themselves.
General relativity is a subject that most undergraduates in physics are particularly curious about, but it has a reputation for being very difficult. This book provides as gentle an introduction to general relativity as possible, leading you through the necessary mathematics in order to arrive at important results. Of course, you cannot avoid the mathematics of general relativity altogether, but, using this book, you can gain an appreciation of tensors and differential geometry at a pace you can keep up with. Early chapters build up to a complete derivation of Einstein's Equations, while the final chapters cover the key applications on black holes, cosmology and gravitational waves. It is designed as a coursebook with just enough material to cover in a one-semester undergraduate class, but it is also accessible to any numerate readers who wish to appreciate the power and beauty of Einstein's creation for themselves.
Preface; 1. The principle of equivalence; 2. Tensors; 3. Matter in space-time; 4. Geodesics; 5. Einstein's equations; 6. Schwarzschild's solution; 7. Cosmology; 8. Gravitational waves; 9. A guide to further reading; References; Index.
A gentle introduction to general relativity, striking a balance between ease of use and precision, for all undergraduates in physics.
Ed Daw is Professor of Particle Astrophysics at the University of Sheffield. He has worked as an experimental physicist since 1998, on searches for dark matter and gravitational waves. His work on gravity led him to volunteer to teach general relativity at Sheffield, which he has continued to do from 2003 until the present. He considers general relativity a hobby, albeit one that is crucial to underpin his understanding of his own research. He also enjoys trying to explain hard things in simple terms, a very good habit for a professor.
'The approach in the book is unique and especially valuable for the
student first encountering General Relativity. It shows in detail
the computational steps involved in gaining the main results.'
Rainer Weiss, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
'I think this is an excellent introduction to General Relativity
and its important applications to cosmology and gravitational wave
astrophysics for the serious student who has not experienced the
necessary mathematical formalism before and who is willing to
follow the text and attempt the many examples. It is an ideal lead
in to many of the more sophisticated modern textbooks which are now
available.' Prof. Sir James Hough, OBE FRS FRSE
'The book fills the gap between more qualitative introductions to
GR and books which leave out the needed details … Daw obviously
knows the material, and spends some extra time on topics which
often prove difficult for many students. The book is well written
and clearly structured … Especially for those who like to learn
their maths as needed as they go, this is one of the few books
which fit that need.' Phillip Helbig, The Observatory
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