General Theory of Relativity

Garant předmětu:

Lecturer:

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Department of Physics

Synopsis:

The goal is to learn the basics of General Relativity theory as well as its applications, mainly in cosmology. The students will get acquainted with the starting points of General Relativity. The course includes the explanation of necessary mathematics: differential geometry. Classic results are derived, like the precession of Mercury, gravitational frequency shift and gravitational bending of light. The participants learn about Schwarzschild metrics and its solution leading to black holes. In the application part the Friedman-Robertson-Walker metrics is introduced and dynamics of the Universe is discussed.

Requirements:

Syllabus of lectures:

1.Starting points of general relativity, Einstein equivalence principle, Locally Inertial Frames

2.Curved spaces in more dimensions, Riemann spaces, metrics, tensors, geodetics

3.Riemann tensor, energy-momentum tensor, Einstein equations

4.Schwarzschild metrics, Birkhoff theorem, geodesics and photon trajectory in Schwarzschild metrics

5.Experimental tests of general relativity: gravitational frequency shift, precession of Mercury, gravitational light bending, gravitational lenses

6.Black holes

7.Rotating black holes

8.Gravitational waves

9.Friedman-Robertson-Walker metrics

10.Cosmological models

Syllabus of tutorials:

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Study materials:

Key references:

[1] M.P. Hobson, G.P. Efstathiou, A.N. Lasenby: General Relativity, An Introduction for Physicists, Cambridge UP, Cambridge, 2006

[2] R.H. Price: General Relativity Primer, American Journal of Physics 50 (1982) 300

Recommended references:

[3] W. Rindler: Relativity (Special, General, and Cosmological), 2 edition, Oxford University Press, New York, 2006

[4] L. Ryder: Introduction to General Relativity, Cambridge UP, Cambridge, 2009

[5] A. Zee, Einstein Gravity in a Nutshell, Princeton University Press, 2013

[6] K. Kuchař, Základy obecné teorie relativity, Academia, Praha, 1968

[7] G. t’Hooft: Introduction to General Relativity, Rinton Press, Princeton, 2001

Note:

Further information:

No time-table has been prepared for this course

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Jaderná a částicová fyzika (compulsory elective course)