Why is general relativity so complicated?

Problems in Newtonian mechanics can be difficult enough to solve but the much greater mathematical complexity in General Relativity means that problems in GR can only be solved in cases of very special symmetry, in which the number of independent equations can be reduced dramatically.

Does anyone understand general relativity?

Yes, people understand relativity theory in the same sense as they understand gravity or magnetism or electricity or … That is to say, it’s known how to calculate the effects on motion, especially motion when velocities approach that of light.

What do I need to know to understand general relativity?

What Are The Prerequisites For General Relativity?

• A basic understanding of special relativity.
• Electromagnetism (optional, but helpful)
• Newtonian mechanics (optional, but helpful)
• A solid understanding of calculus and vectors.
• Basics of linear algebra (optional, but helpful)
• Basics of tensors and differential geometry.

Why does general relativity not work with quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, fields are discontinuous and are defined by ‘quanta’. Quantum mechanics is incompatible with general relativity because in quantum field theory, forces act locally through the exchange of well-defined quanta.

Is the general theory of relativity hard to understand?

While relativity has a reputation for being intimidatingly difficult, it’s a peculiar kind of difficulty. Coming at the subject without any preparation, you hear all kinds of crazy things about time dilating and space stretching, and it seems all very recondite and baffling.

What general relativity Cannot explain?

Our observations are consistent with Einstein’s theory of general relativity. It cannot fully explain gravity inside a black hole, and at some point we will need to move beyond Einstein’s theory to a more comprehensive theory of gravity that explains what a black hole is.”

What is the contradiction between general relativity and quantum mechanics?

In general relativity, events are continuous and deterministic, meaning that every cause matches up to a specific, local effect. In quantum mechanics, events produced by the interaction of subatomic particles happen in jumps (yes, quantum leaps), with probabilistic rather than definite outcomes.

Is special relativity difficult to learn?

For many people, learning the basics of special relativity is easy! However, it does tend to be more difficult than other branches of physics because it applies at speeds much higher than we ever encounter in our lives. This can make it difficult to apply your intuition.

What should I study to become a general relativity physicist?

First general relativity is typically taught at a 4th year undergraduate level or sometimes even a graduate level, obviously this presumes a good undergraduate training in mathematics and physics. Personally, I’m more of the opinion that one should go and learn other physics before tackling general relativity.

What is the best book to start learning relativity?

It is not as hard as Wald but is rigorous and well explained, and the selection of topics is very interesting. Another quite direct approach to learn relativity from the beginning may be the book “A First Course in General Relativity” from Schutz.

What is so special about the book general relativity?

This book is unique in its kind, because it developes a geometrical, rigorous approach, yet progressive and easy, to General Relativity and its mathematical machinery, assuming the target reader barely knows at the beginning how to do a partial derivate and little less more.

What are the prerequisites to learn quantum field theory?

Also a good introduction if you want to go learn quantum field theory. The subject is surprisingly self-contained, perhaps mostly because physicists typically learn the physical theory and the associated mathematics simultaneously. I’d say the main prerequisite is a little “mathematical maturity” and physical intuition.