Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity - Hardcover

Carroll, Sean M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1108488390 ISBN 13: 9781108488396

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2019

Synopsis

Spacetime and Geometry is an introductory textbook on general relativity, specifically aimed at students. Using a lucid style, Carroll first covers the foundations of the theory and mathematical formalism, providing an approachable introduction to what can often be an intimidating subject. Three major applications of general relativity are then discussed: black holes, perturbation theory and gravitational waves, and cosmology. Students will learn the origin of how spacetime curves (the Einstein equation) and how matter moves through it (the geodesic equation). They will learn what black holes really are, how gravitational waves are generated and detected, and the modern view of the expansion of the universe. A brief introduction to quantum field theory in curved spacetime is also included. A student familiar with this book will be ready to tackle research-level problems in gravitational physics.

About this title

About the Author

Sean M. Carroll is Research Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology. His research focuses on general relativity, cosmology, field theory, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gemant Award from the American Institute of Physics, the Winton Science Book Prize from the Royal Society, a Guggenheim fellowship, and teaching awards from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago.

From the Back Cover

"Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity" provides a lucid and thoroughly modern introduction to general relativity. With an accessible and lively writing style, it introduces modern techniques to what can often be a formal and intimidating subject. Readers are led from the physics of flat spacetime (special relativity), through the intricacies of differential geometry and Einstein's equations, and on to exciting applications such as black holes, gravitational radiation, and cosmology.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108488390
• ISBN 13: 9781108488396
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 516