General Theory of Relativity

✍ Scribed by P. A.M. Dirac

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Year: 2016
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 83
• Series: Physics Notes; 14
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

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.

✦ Table of Contents

Contents
1. Special Relativity
2. Oblique Axes
3. Curvilinear Coordinates
4. Nontensors
5. Curved Space
6. Parallel Displacement
7. Christoffel Symbols
8. Geodesics
9. The Stationary Property of Geodesics
10. Covariant Differentiation
11. The Curvature Tensor
12. The Condition for Flat Space
13. The Bianci Relations
14. The Ricci Tensor
15. Einstein’s Law of Gravitation
16. The Newtonian Approximation
17. The Gravitational Red Shift
18. The Schwarzchild Solution
19. Black Holes
20. Tensor Densities
21. Gauss and Stokes Theorems
22. Harmonic Coordinates
23. The Electromagnetic Field
24. Modification of the Einstein Equations by the Presence of Matter
25. The Material Energy Tensor
26. The Gravitational Action Principle
27. The Action for a Continuous Distribution of Matter
28. The Action for the Electromagnetic Field
29. The Action for Charged Matter
30. The Comprehensive Action Principle
31. The Pseudo-Energy Tensor of the Gravitational Field
32. Explicit Expression for the Pseudo-Tensor
33. Gravitational Waves
34. The Polarization of Gravitational Waves
35. The Cosmological Term
Index