Table of Contents
Can I learn general relativity on my own?
The best textbook for self-studying general relativity that I’d recommend is: Einstein Gravity in a Nutshell by A. Zee (link to Amazon): this book is my #1 recommendation since it’s very thorough and it also doesn’t require as much mathematical rigor as many other textbooks do.
Is relativity difficult to read?
While relativity has a reputation for being intimidatingly difficult, it’s a peculiar kind of difficulty. Coming at the subject without any preparation, you hear all kinds of crazy things about time dilating and space stretching, and it seems all very recondite and baffling.
How do you self study general relativity?
You need to learn:
- Calculus (to a very high standard)
- Linear Algebra.
- Tensor Analysis.
- Classical Mechanics (yes, really)
- Electromagnetism.
- Special Relativity (and you need to know this until your eyes bleed 4-vectors)
- Differential Geometry.
Is general relativity still correct?
General relativity might have ushered in modern physics, but it was largely eclipsed by quantum mechanics in the mid 20th Century. Despite explaining astronomical phenomena far better, general relativity became deeply unfashionable, as it failed to explain what happens deep inside the atom.
Should I learn special relativity before general relativity?
Definitely study special relativity first. For one, the prerequisite mathematics are much easier than general relativity. Special relativity requires basic algebra and geometry whereas general relativity requires differential geometry and tensor analysis.
What books did Einstein read?
Albert Einstein Quotes: Al…Relativity : the special and the ge…1916The World As I see It1934Why Socialism?1949Out of My Later Years1950Ideas and Opinions1954
Albert Einstein/Books
How did Einstein think?
Nonconformist, independent thinking. In addition to curiosity, Einstein’s willingness to be a nonconformist was an important part of his personality. His ability to question the conventional wisdom provided the creative spark that ultimately led to many of his scientific breakthroughs.
What level of math is needed for general relativity?
Prerequisites. A sound knowledge of multivariable calculus (at least Math 212) and linear algebra (at least Math 218). A basic knowledge of classical mechanics and electromagnetism is desirable but the course will endevour to be self-contained.
What is Einstein favorite book?
“Einstein lay in bed without shirt or pajamas, with Don Quixote on his night table. It is the book which he enjoys most and likes to read for relaxation…”
What is Einstein’s most famous book?
Who took Einstein’s brain?
pathologist Dr. Thomas Harvey
On April 18, 1955, as a hastily-called press conference was taking place at Princeton Medical Center, Yale-trained pathologist Dr. Thomas Harvey was carefully removing the brain and eyes of Albert Einstein. Within hours, the body of the century’s most famous physicist was cremated in Trenton, NJ.
What is the best book on general relativity?
Gravitation by Charles Misner, Kip Thorne, and John Wheeler, is pretty much the authoritative reference on general relativity (to the extent that one exists). It discusses many aspects and applications of the theory in far more mathematical and logical detail than any other book I’ve seen. (Consequently, it’s very thick.)
What is the best book to learn about gravity?
Gravity: An Introduction To General Relativity by James Hartle is reasonably good as an introduction, although in order to make the content accessible, he does skip over a lot of mathematical detail.
How comprehensive is the theory of general relativity?
The theory of general relativity is all laid out in loving detail. You will not find a better explanation of the physics of gravitation anywhere. Comprehensive? Well, sorta.
Is the Feynman Lectures on general relativity a good textbook?
Though it is not suitable as a textbook, it contains some of the crucial concepts of the subject which are not found elsewhere. Above all, one could visualize the Feynman-way of thinking general relativity. A text suitable for undergraduates, particularly those who step first in general relativity.