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how to learn General Relativity?


Learning General Relativity (GR) is an exciting and challenging endeavor. Here are steps and resources to help you navigate this complex subject: ### 1. **Prerequisites**: - **Mathematics**: A strong foundation in mathematics is essential. Focus on: - **Linear Algebra**: Understand vectors, matrices, and transformations. - **Calculus**: Master single-variable and multi-variable calculus. - **Differential Equations**: Grasp ordinary and partial differential equations. - **Differential Geometry**: Familiarize yourself with curves, surfaces, and manifolds. - **Physics**: A solid understanding of classical mechanics and electromagnetism is crucial. Learn about: - **Newtonian Gravity**: Understand the classical theory as a foundation. - **Special Relativity**: Grasp concepts like time dilation, length contraction, and the spacetime model. ### 2. **Introductory Resources**: - **Books**: - "Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity" by Sean Carroll - "A First Course in General Relativity" by Bernard Schutz - "General Relativity" by Robert M. Wald - **Online Courses**: - MIT OpenCourseWare: General Relativity courses - Online platforms like Coursera and edX may offer GR courses. ### 3. **Core Topics to Study**: - The principle of equivalence - The geometry of spacetime - Einstein’s field equations - Black holes and singularities - Gravitational waves - Cosmology and the expanding universe ### 4. **Problem-Solving**: - Work through exercises and problems in your textbooks. This is crucial for understanding the applications of the theory. - Seek out problem sets online or in additional texts. ### 5. **Discussion and Community**: - Join forums or study groups, such as those on Reddit (e.g., r/Physics or r/askscience). - Attend physics lectures or seminars at local universities to engage with the material and ask questions. ### 6. **Advanced Study**: - Once comfortable with the fundamentals, consider delving into advanced topics like: - Perturbation theory and gravitational waves. - Numerical relativity. - Advanced cosmology topics. ### 7. **Keep Curious**: - Read popular science books and articles to see how GR is applied in modern physics and cosmology. - Follow current research and developments in gravitational physics. ### 8. **Patience and Persistence**: - General Relativity is a complicated subject, and it may take time to fully grasp the concepts. Be patient and persistent in your studies. By following these steps and utilizing available resources, you'll be well on your way to understanding General Relativity!