General Theory of Relativity

by P. A.M. Dirac

Overview

Einstein's general theory of relativity requires a curved space for the description of the physical world. If one wishes to go beyond superficial discussions of the physical relations involved, one needs to set up precise equations for handling curved space. The well-established mathematical technique that accomplishes this is clearly described in this classic book by Nobel Laureate P.A.M. Dirac. Based on a series of lectures given by Dirac at Florida State University, and intended for the advanced undergraduate, General Theory of Relativity comprises thirty-five compact chapters that take the reader point-by-point through the necessary steps for understanding general relativity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691011462
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	01/28/1996
Series:	Physics Notes , #14
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	84
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

P.A.M. Dirac (1902-1984) was Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge and later taught at Florida State University.

Table of Contents

1 Special Relativity 1

2 Oblique Axes 3

3 Curvilinear Coordinates 5

4 Nontensors 8

5 Curved Space 9

6 Parallel Displacement 10

7 Christoffel Symbols 12

8 Geodesics 14

9 The Stationary Property of Geodesics 16

10 Covariant Differentiation 17

11 The Curvature Tensor 20

12 The Condition for Flat Space 22

13 The Bianchi Relations 23

14 The Ricci Tensor 24

15 Einstein's Law of Gravitation 25

16 The Newtonian Approximation 26

17 The Gravitational Red Shift 29

18 The Schwarzchild Solution 30

19 Black Holes 32

20 Tensor Densities 36

21 Gauss and Stokes Theorems 38

22 Harmonic Coordinates 40

23 The Electromagnetic Field 41

24 Modification of the Einstein Equations by the Presence of Matter 43

25 The Material Energy Tensor 45

26 The Gravitational Action Principle 48

27 The Action for a Continuous Distribution of Matter 50

28 The Action for the Electromagnetic Field 54

29 The Action for Charged Matter 55

30 The Comprehensive Action Principle 58

31 The Pseudo-Energy Tensor of the Gravitational Field 61

32 Explicit Expression for the Pseudo-Tensor 63

33 Gravitational Waves 64

34 The Polarization of Gravitational Waves 66

35 The Cosmological Term 68

Index 71

Editorial Reviews

"Seasoned physicists will appreciate the book as an elegant, well-organized introduction to the basic mathematics and physics of curved space."

Physics Today

"Dirac was a man of few words, and this little book-with 35 sections spanning 69 pages-exhibits the concise, direct style that was his trademark. Seasoned physicists will appreciate the book as an elegant, well-organized introduction to the basic mathematics and physics of curved space."—-R. Corby Hovis, Physics Today

From the Publisher

Dirac was a man of few words, and this little book-with 35 sections spanning 69 pages-exhibits the concise, direct style that was his trademark. Seasoned physicists will appreciate the book as an elegant, well-organized introduction to the basic mathematics and physics of curved space.

Physics Today - R. Corby Hovis