Features
ISBN Number: 9783540219248
Subtitle: With Applications to Astrophysics
Author: Straumann, Norbert
Author: Straumann, N.
Publisher: Springer
Subject: Astrophysics & Space Science
Subject: Cosmology
Subject: Life Sciences, Biology, General
Copyright: 2004
Series: Texts and Monographs in Physics
Publication Date: July 2004
Cover Type: Hardcover
Written in: English
Illustrations: Y
Number of Pages: 674
Book Size: 944x640x115 235
This text provides a comprehensive and timely introduction to general relativity. The foundations of the theory in Part I are thoroughly developed together with the required mathematical background from differential geometry in Part III. The six chapters in Part II are devoted to tests of general relativity and to many of its applications. Binary pulsars are studied in considerable detail. Much space is devoted to the study of compact objects, especially to black holes. This includes a detailed derivation of the Kerr solution, Israel's proof of his uniqueness theorem, and derivations of the basic laws of black hole physics. The final chapter of this part contains Witten's proof of the positive energy theorem.
The book addresses undergraduate and graduate students in physics, astrophysics and mathematics. It is very well structured and should become a standard text for a modern treatment of gravitational physics. The clear presentation of differential geometry makes it also useful for string theory and other fields of physics, classical as well as quantum.
General Relativity is a complete revision and extension of Straumann's well-known classic textbook "General Relativity and Relativistic Astrophysics." Synopsis:
General Relativity is intended for physics and mathematics students eager to become acquainted with the foundations of general relativity and its major applications in astrophysics and cosmology. The foundations are thoroughly developed with the required mathematical background from differential geometry. The author discuses general relativity in detail, and includes the latest findings on super-massive black holes and the first double-pulsar system. Much space is devoted to the study of compact objects, especially to neutron stars and to the basic laws of black-hole physics. This well structured reference enables readers to easily navigate through the various sections as best matches their backgrounds, whether mathematical, physical or astronomical.
