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cristianbahena
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What is the best book to learn general relativity for undergraduate and graduate students ? And why?
The best book to learn general relativity will ultimately depend on your level of understanding and learning style. Some popular options include "A First Course in General Relativity" by Bernard Schutz, "Gravitation" by Charles Misner, Kip Thorne, and John Wheeler, and "General Relativity" by Robert M. Wald.
A good book on general relativity should cover topics such as the basics of special relativity, the equivalence principle, the mathematics of general relativity, the Schwarzschild solution, and applications of general relativity in astrophysics and cosmology.
Yes, there are many online resources available for learning about general relativity, such as online courses, lecture notes, and video lectures. Some popular options include the online course "General Relativity" by Leonard Susskind on Stanford University's YouTube channel, and lecture notes from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's "General Relativity" course.
While a basic understanding of physics and mathematics is helpful, it is possible for someone with no background in physics to learn general relativity from a book. However, it may require more effort and patience, and it is recommended to start with books that provide a gentle introduction to the topic.
A strong mathematical background is not necessary to learn general relativity, but it can certainly make the learning process easier. Some understanding of calculus and linear algebra is essential, and familiarity with differential geometry can be helpful in understanding the mathematical concepts used in general relativity.