What are tensors in general relativity?

In general relativity, the metric tensor (in this context often abbreviated to simply the metric) is the fundamental object of study. It may loosely be thought of as a generalization of the gravitational potential of Newtonian gravitation.

Why are tensors used in general relativity?

Originally Answered: Why is tensor necessary for general relativity? Without tensors we would have specify the coordinate system in which our non-tensorial version of GR was correct. Or have a different version of GR for each coordinate system. Tensors allow us to formulate coordinate independent laws.

How is general relativity derived?

General relativity is a theory of gravitation that was developed by Albert Einstein between 1907 and 1915, with contributions by many others after 1915. According to general relativity, the observed gravitational attraction between masses results from the warping of space and time by those masses.

How many equations did Einstein create?

What Does It Mean? The Einstein Field Equations are ten equations, contained in the tensor equation shown above, which describe gravity as a result of spacetime being curved by mass and energy.

What geometry is used in general relativity?

General relativity then makes the force of gravity a mere mater of the curvature of spacetime. Underlying all of this is the mathematics of differential geometry. Differential geometry is the study of generalized spaces upon which one can perform calculus.

What is a tensor in physics?

A tensor is a concept from mathematical physics that can be thought of as a generalization of a vector. While tensors can be defined in a purely mathematical sense, they are most useful in connection with vectors in physics.

What do you mean by Minkowski space?

In mathematical physics, Minkowski space (or Minkowski spacetime) (/mɪŋˈkɔːfski, -ˈkɒf-/) is a combination of three-dimensional Euclidean space and time into a four-dimensional manifold where the spacetime interval between any two events is independent of the inertial frame of reference in which they are recorded.

How did Einstein get the idea of general relativity?

In 1919, British expeditions to Africa and South America observed a total solar eclipse to see if the position of stars near the Sun had changed. The observed effect was exactly what Einstein had predicted. Einstein instantly became world-famous.

Is general relativity maths or physics?

The area of math that general relativity uses is called differential geometry. Differential geometry uses calculus to describe geometric concepts such as curvature, which on the other hand, requires knowledge about tensors.

What is the mathematics of general relativity?

The mathematics of general relativity is complex. In Newton’s theories of motion, an object’s length and the rate at which time passes remain constant while the object accelerates, meaning that many problems in Newtonian mechanics may be solved by algebra alone. In relativity, however, an object’s length and the rate at which time passes both change appreciably as the object’s speed approaches

What is the general relativity equation?

L {\\displaystyle L} is the semi-major axis

What is the general theory of relativity?

In 1907, his General Theory of Relativity showed that clocks run more quickly at higher altitudes because they experience a weaker gravitational force than clocks on the surface of the Earth. This means an event that occurs at the same time for one person could take place at a different time for another.

What is general relativity?

general relativity, part of the wide-ranging physical theory of relativity formed by the German-born physicist Albert Einstein. It was conceived by Einstein in 1916. General relativity is concerned with gravity, one of the fundamental forces in the universe. Gravity defines macroscopic behaviour, and so general relativity describes large-scale physical phenomena.