Lecture notes on the general theory of relativity : from Newton's attractive gravity to the repulsive gravity of vacuum energy / Grn yvind.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Grn, yvind.

Series:

Lecture notes in physics ; 772.

Lecture notes in physics ; 772

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Relativity (Physics).

Physics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (XII, 252 p. 93 illus.)

Edition:

1st ed. 2009.

Place of Publication:

New York : Springer, c2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book has resulted from a course in the general theory of relativity at the University of Oslo where the author has lectured for more than twenty years. Although the text is designed for master students, it is rather self-contained. Since mathematics courses on differential geometry and tensor calculus usually employ a rather abstract notation different from the component notation used in physical applications, the book introduces not only an introduction to the physical principles of the theory and physical applications of the theory, but also introduces the mathematics which is needed, in particular the calculus of differential forms. Detailed calculations are given of the bending of light, the perihelion precession of Mercury and the predictions for the Hafele-Keating experiment. The Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equation is deduced and solved for an incompressible fluid to give the internal Schwarzschild solution. Rotating black holes are discussed. The Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe models are deduced. Also the reader will become familiar with the Universe model which is now considered as the standard model of the universe; a flat model filled with vacuum energy and cold matter. The inflationary era at the first moment of the history of our universe is also discussed.

Contents:

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

The Special Theory of Relativity

Vectors, Tensors and Forms

Accelerated Reference Frames

Covariant Differentiation

Curvature

Einstein’s Field Equations

The Schwarzschild Spacetime

Black Holes

Schwarzschild’s Interior Solution

Cosmology.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786613562692

9781280384776

1280384778

9780387881348

0387881344