The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time

S. W. Hawking

ISBN 10: 0521099064 / ISBN 13: 9780521099066

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1975

About this Item

1975. New Ed. Paperback. This 1973 book discusses Einstein's General Theory of Relativity and its predictions concerning black holes and singularities in space-time itself. Series Editor(s): Landshoff, P. V.; Nelson, David R.; Weinberg, S. Series: Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics. Num Pages: 404 pages, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: PHR. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 228 x 153 x 21. Weight in Grams: 606. Series: Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics. 404 pages. This 1973 book discusses Einstein's General Theory of Relativity and its predictions concerning black holes and singularities in space-time itself. Cateogry: (P) Professional & Vocational. BIC Classification: PHR. Dimension: 228 x 153 x 21. Weight: 632. Series Editor(s) :Landshoff, P.V.; Nelson, D. R.; Weinberg, S. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780521099066

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Large Scale Structure of Space-Time
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1975
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521099064
• ISBN 13: 9780521099066
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Einstein's General Theory of Relativity leads to two remarkable predictions: first, that the ultimate destiny of many massive stars is to undergo gravitational collapse and to disappear from view, leaving behind a 'black hole' in space; and secondly, that there will exist singularities in space-time itself. These singularities are places where space-time begins or ends, and the presently known laws of physics break down. They will occur inside black holes, and in the past are what might be construed as the beginning of the universe. To show how these predictions arise, the authors discuss the General Theory of Relativity in the large. Starting with a precise formulation of the theory and an account of the necessary background of differential geometry, the significance of space-time curvature is discussed and the global properties of a number of exact solutions of Einstein's field equations are examined. The theory of the causal structure of a general space-time is developed, and is used to study black holes and to prove a number of theorems establishing the inevitability of singualarities under certain conditions. A discussion of the Cauchy problem for General Relativity is also included in this 1973 book.

Book Description

This 1973 book discusses Einstein's General Theory of Relativity and its two remarkable predictions: first, that the ultimate destiny of many massive stars is to undergo gravitational collapse and to disappear from view, leaving behind a 'black hole' in space; and secondly, that there will exist singularities in space-time itself.