An Introduction to General Relativity

by L. P. Hughston, K. P. Tod

Overview

This long-awaited textbook offers a concise one-semester introduction to basic general relativity suitable for mathematics and physics undergraduates. Emphasis is placed on the student's development of both a solid physical grasp of the subject and a sophisticated calculational facility. The text is supplemented by numerous geometrical diagrams and by a large selection of challenging exercises and problems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521339438
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/25/1991
Series:	London Mathematical Society Student Texts , #5
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.55(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Vectors and tensors in flat three-space; 3. Aspects of special relativistic geometry; 4. Tensor analysis on manifolds; 5. Covariant differentiation; 6. Properties of the Riemann tensor; 7. Riemannian geometry; 8. The Lie derivative; 9. Geodesics; 10. Geodesic deviation; 11. Differential forms; 12. The transition from Newtonian theory; 13. Einstein's field equations; 14. The slow motion approximation; 15. The Schwarzschild solution; 16. Gravitational red-shift and time dilation; 17. The geodesic equation for the Schwarzschild solution; 18. Classical tests; 19. The extended Schwarzschild solution; 20. Black holes and gravitational collapse; 21. Interior solutions; 22. The Kerr solution; 23. Homogeneous and isotropic three-spaces; 24. Cosmology: kinematics; 25. Cosmology: dynamics; 25. Anisotropic cosmologies; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"...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

From the Publisher