Synopses & Reviews
This classic text and reference monograph applies modern differential geometry to general relativity. A brief mathematical introduction to gravitational curvature, it emphasizes the subject's geometric essence, replacing the often-tedious analytical computations with geometric arguments. Clearly presented and physically motivated derivations express the deflection of light, Schwarzchild's exterior and interior solutions, and the Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations.
A perfect choice for advanced students of mathematics, this volume will also appeal to mathematicians interested in physics. It stresses the global aspects of cosmology and is suitable for independent study as well as for courses in differential geometry, relativity, and cosmology. Prerequisites include a background in Riemannian geometry and basic physics or a familiarity with relativity theory. Background chapters, with derivations, cover special relativity, continuum mechanics, and electromagnetism.
Synopsis
Modern differential geometry is increasingly important to theoretical physics and has applications in relativity and cosmology. This classic text and reference monograph applies modern differential geometry to general relativity, substituting normal analytical computations on gravity with differential geometric arguments and derivations. Suitable for advanced mathematics students or mathematicians interested in physics. 1979 edition.
Synopsis
This classic text and reference monograph applies modern differential geometry to general relativity. A brief mathematical introduction to gravitational curvature, it emphasizes the subject's geometric essence and stresses the global aspects of cosmology. 1979 edition.
Table of Contents
PrefaceNotation1. Special Relativity2. Clocks and Gravitational Potential3. A Heuristic Derivation of Einstein's Equations4. The Geometry of Einstein's Equations5. The Schwarzschild Solution6. The Classical Motion of a Continuum7. The Relativistic Equations of Motion8. Light Rays and Fermat's Principle9. Electromagnetism in Three-Space and Minkowski Space10. Electromagnetism in General Relativity11. The Interior Solution12. CosmologyReferencesIndex