A Short Course in General Relativity

Suitable as a one-semester course in general relativity for senior undergraduates or beginning graduates, this text clarifies the mathematical aspects of Einsteins general theory of relativity without sacrificing physical understanding. Beginning with an exposition of those aspects of tensor calculus and differential geometry needed for a proper exposition of the subject, the discussion turns to the space-time of general relativity and to geodesic motion, comparisons and contrasts, with Newtons theory being drawn where appropriate. A brief consideration of the field equations is followed by a discussion of physics in the vicinity of massive objects, including an elementary treatment of black holes. The book concludes with brief, introductory chapters on gravitational radiation and cosmology, and includes an appendix that reviews the special theory of relativity. In preparing this new edition, the authors have completely rewritten chapters to make the material readily accessible to physics students, while many examples, exercises and problems help guide the students through the theory.