How do I start learning general relativity?
The 6 Steps To Learn Relativity On Your Own (& Best Resources)
- Learn vector calculus and calculus-based physics.
- Learn electromagnetism (not absolutely necessary, but it’ll help).
- Learn the basics of special relativity.
- Study some tensor calculus and differential geometry.
- Build some intuition for general relativity.
What do I need to know before studying 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.
How difficult is general relativity?
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.
What math is used in general relativity?
General relativity is a profound generalisation of special relativity which incorporates gravity. The mathematical description of general relativity requires the mathematical language of dif- ferential geometry which uses the notions of metric, connection and curvature, which will be introduced from scratch.
Does general relativity use calculus?
The issue of deriving the equations of motion or the field equations in any physical theory is considered by many researchers to be appealing. A fairly universal way of performing these derivations is by using the techniques of variational calculus, the main objects used in this being Lagrangians.
How did Einstein figure out space-time?
Instead of a pull, Einstein saw gravity as the result of curved space. He said that all objects in the universe sit in a smooth, four-dimensional fabric called space-time. Massive objects such as the sun warp the space-time around them, and so Earth’s orbit is simply the result of our planet following this curvature.