An Introduction to Relativistic Gravitation

by Remi Hakim, Andrew King

Overview

This is an introductory textbook on applications of general relativity to astrophysics and cosmology. The aim is to provide advanced students with a toolkit for understanding astronomical phenomena that involve velocities close to that of light or intense gravitational fields. The author gives a thorough grounding in special relativity, with space-time the central concept. Examples of relativistic gravitation in action are drawn from the astrophysical domain. The book can be read on two levels: first as an introductory fast-track course, and then as a detailed course reinforced by problems that illuminate technical examples. The book has extensive links to the literature of relativistic astrophysics and cosmology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521459303
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/20/1999
Edition description:	Us ed.
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.18(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.59(d)

Table of Contents

1. Newtonian gravitation; 2. Minkowski space-time; 3. Relativistic forms of physical laws; 4. Gravitation and special relativity; 5. Electromagnetism and relativistic hydrodynamics; 6. What is curved space?; 7. The principle of equivalence; 8. Einstein's relativistic gravitation; Appendices.

Editorial Reviews

'This textbook offers a thorough application of relativity theory to astrophysics and modern cosmology … the reviewer found Hakim's descriptions both useful and clear and a well-ordered progression of the material has been presented … Hakim's text must rank amongst the best of them.' A. D. Andrews, Irish Astronomical Journal

From the Publisher