Relativity in Modern Physics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Deruelle ◽  
Jean-Philippe Uzan
Keyword(s):  
General Relativity ◽  
Albert Einstein ◽  
Accelerator Physics ◽  
Newtonian Theory ◽  
Conceptual Foundation ◽  
Space And Time ◽  
Representation Of Space ◽  
Modern Physics ◽  
Theory Of Gravitation ◽  
Accelerated Frames

Newton’s ideas about how to represent space and time, his laws of dynamics, and his theory of gravitation established the conceptual foundation from which modern physics developed. This book offers a modern view of Newtonian theory, emphasizing those aspects needed for understanding quantum and relativistic contemporary physics. In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed a novel representation of space and time, special relativity. The text also presents relativistic dynamics in inertial and accelerated frames, as well as a detailed overview of Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism, thus providing the background necessary for studying particle and accelerator physics, astrophysics, and Einstein’s theory of general relativity. In 1915, Einstein proposed a new theory of gravitation, general relativity. Finally, the text develops the geometrical framework in which Einstein’s equations are formulated and presents several key applications: black holes, gravitational radiation, and cosmology.

Covered with Deep Mist

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean Rickles
Keyword(s):  
General Relativity ◽  
Quantum Gravity ◽  
Unresolved Problem ◽  
The Core ◽  
Modern Physics ◽  
Technical Examination ◽  
History Of ◽  
Theory Of Gravitation ◽  
Under Construction ◽  
Social And Cultural Factors

The problem of quantum gravity is often viewed as the most pressing unresolved problem of modern physics, the ‘holy grail’: our theories of spacetime and matter, described respectively by general relativity (Einstein’s theory of gravitation and spacetime) and quantum mechanics (our best theory of matter and the other forces of nature) resist unification. Covered in Deep Mist provides the first book-length treatment of the history of quantum gravity, focusing on its origins and earliest stages of development until the mid-1950s. Readers will be guided through the impacts on the problem of quantum gravity resulting from changes in the two ingredient theories, quantum theory and general relativity, which were themselves still under construction in the years studied. We examine how several of the core approaches of today were formed in an era when the field was highly unfashionable. The book aims to be accessible to a broad range of readers and goes beyond a merely technical examination to include social and cultural factors involved in the changing fortunes of the field. Suitable for both newcomers and seasoned quantum gravity professionals, the book will shine new light on this century old, unresolved problem.

scholarly journals Astronomical tests of relativity: beyond parameterized post-Newtonian formalism (PPN), to testing fundamental principles

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S261) ◽  
pp. 56-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladik Kreinovich
Keyword(s):  
General Relativity ◽  
Quantum Physics ◽  
Final Theory ◽  
Gravitational Theories ◽  
Cosmological Observations ◽  
Partial Analysis ◽  
Theory Of Gravitation ◽  
Improved Accuracy ◽  
Fundamental Physical ◽  
Relativistic Gravitation

AbstractBy the early 1970s, the improved accuracy of astrometric and time measurements enabled researchers not only to experimentally compare relativistic gravity with the Newtonian predictions, but also to compare different relativistic gravitational theories (e.g., the Brans-Dicke Scalar-Tensor Theory of Gravitation). For this comparison, Kip Thorne and others developed the Parameterized Post-Newtonian Formalism (PPN), and derived the dependence of different astronomically observable effects on the values of the corresponding parameters.Since then, all the observations have confirmed General Relativity. In other words, the question of which relativistic gravitation theory is in the best accordance with the experiments has been largely settled. This does not mean that General Relativity is the final theory of gravitation: it needs to be reconciled with quantum physics (into quantum gravity), it may also need to be reconciled with numerous surprising cosmological observations, etc. It is, therefore, reasonable to prepare an extended version of the PPN formalism, that will enable us to test possible quantum-related modifications of General Relativity.In particular, we need to include the possibility of violating fundamental principles that underlie the PPN formalism but that may be violated in quantum physics, such as scale-invariance, T-invariance, P-invariance, energy conservation, spatial isotropy violations, etc. In this paper, we present the first attempt to design the corresponding extended PPN formalism, with the (partial) analysis of the relation between the corresponding fundamental physical principles.

Why a Physicist Is the Protagonist in Arrival ?

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 2-6
Author(s):  
Chang-Hwan LEE
Keyword(s):  
General Relativity ◽  
Short Story ◽  
Modern Physics

Arrival, a film in 2016, is based on a short story by Ted Chiang in which two main characters (a physicist and a linguist) decipher an alien language Heptapod-B. Heptapod-B is composed of ring images similar to the Einstein Ring. Based on this observation, I will discuss why the knowledge of modern physics, including General Relativity, is crucial for understanding the movie.

Gravity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James B. Hartle
Keyword(s):  
Black Holes ◽  
General Relativity ◽  
Gravitational Waves ◽  
Undergraduate Curriculum ◽  
Physics First ◽  
Cambridge University ◽  
Introductory Course ◽  
Modern Physics ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Curriculum Making

Einstein's theory of general relativity is a cornerstone of modern physics. It also touches upon a wealth of topics that students find fascinating – black holes, warped spacetime, gravitational waves, and cosmology. Now reissued by Cambridge University Press, this ground-breaking text helped to bring general relativity into the undergraduate curriculum, making it accessible to virtually all physics majors. One of the pioneers of the 'physics-first' approach to the subject, renowned relativist James B. Hartle, recognized that there is typically not enough time in a short introductory course for the traditional, mathematics-first, approach. In this text, he provides a fluent and accessible physics-first introduction to general relativity that begins with the essential physical applications and uses a minimum of new mathematics. This market-leading text is ideal for a one-semester course for undergraduates, with only introductory mechanics as a prerequisite.

The precise calculations of the constant terms in the equations of motions of planets and photons of general relativity

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-192
Author(s):  
Mei Xiaochun
Keyword(s):  
General Relativity ◽  
Gravitational Field ◽  
Deflection Angle ◽  
Constant Term ◽  
Equation Of Motion ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Newtonian Gravity ◽  
Newtonian Theory ◽  
The Deflection Angle ◽  
Equations Of Motions

In general relativity, the values of constant terms in the equations of motions of planets and light have not been seriously discussed. Based on the Schwarzschild metric and the geodesic equations of the Riemann geometry, it is proved in this paper that the constant term in the time-dependent equation of motion of planet in general relativity must be equal to zero. Otherwise, when the correction term of general relativity is ignored, the resulting Newtonian gravity formula would change its basic form. Due to the absence of this constant term, the equation of motion cannot describe the elliptical and the hyperbolic orbital motions of celestial bodies in the solar gravitational field. It can only describe the parabolic orbital motion (with minor corrections). Therefore, it becomes meaningless to use general relativity calculating the precession of Mercury's perihelion. It is also proved that the time-dependent orbital equation of light in general relativity is contradictory to the time-independent equation of light. Using the time-independent orbital equation to do calculation, the deflection angle of light in the solar gravitational field is <mml:math display="inline"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>1.7</mml:mn> <mml:msup> <mml:mn>5</mml:mn> <mml:mo>″</mml:mo> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> . But using the time-dependent equation to do calculation, the deflection angle of light is only a small correction of the prediction value <mml:math display="inline"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>0.87</mml:mn> <mml:msup> <mml:mn>5</mml:mn> <mml:mo>″</mml:mo> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> of the Newtonian gravity theory with a magnitude order of <mml:math display="inline"> <mml:mrow> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>10</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>−</mml:mo> <mml:mn>5</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> . The reason causing this inconsistency was the Einstein's assumption that the motion of light satisfied the condition <mml:math display="inline"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>d</mml:mi> <mml:mi>s</mml:mi> <mml:mo>=</mml:mo> <mml:mn>0</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> in gravitational field. It leads to the absence of constant term in the time-independent equation of motion of light and destroys the uniqueness of geodesic in curved space-time. Meanwhile, light is subjected to repulsive forces in the gravitational field, rather than attractive forces. The direction of deflection of light is opposite, inconsistent with the predictions of present general relativity and the Newtonian theory of gravity. Observing on the earth surface, the wavelength of light emitted by the sun is violet shifted. This prediction is obviously not true. Practical observation is red shift. Finally, the practical significance of the calculation of the Mercury perihelion's precession and the existing problems of the light's deflection experiments of general relativity are briefly discussed. The conclusion of this paper is that general relativity cannot have consistence with the Newtonian theory of gravity for the descriptions of motions of planets and light in the solar system. The theory itself is not self-consistent too.

scholarly journals Effective field theory, past and future

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (06) ◽  
pp. 1630007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Weinberg
Keyword(s):  
Field Theory ◽  
General Relativity ◽  
Effective Field Theories ◽  
Standard Model ◽  
Effective Field Theory ◽  
Effective Field ◽  
Field Theories ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
The Standard Model ◽  
Theory Of Gravitation

I reminisce about the early development of effective field theories of the strong interactions, comment briefly on some other applications of effective field theories, and then take up the idea that the Standard Model and General Relativity are the leading terms in an effective field theory. Finally, I cite recent calculations that suggest that the effective field theory of gravitation and matter is asymptotically safe.

scholarly journals Plane Symmetric Solutions of a Scalar-Tensor Theory of Gravitation

1977 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
DRK Reddy
Keyword(s):  
General Relativity ◽  
Empty Space ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
Scalar Tensor Theory ◽  
Field Equations ◽  
Plane Symmetric ◽  
Zero Mass ◽  
Tensor Theory ◽  
Special Cases ◽  
Theory Of Gravitation

Plane symmetric solutions of a scalar-tensor theory proposed by Dunn have been obtained. These solutions are observed to be similar to the plane symmetric solutions of the field equations corresponding to zero mass scalar fields obtained by Patel. It is found that the empty space-times of general relativity discussed by Taub and by Bera are obtained as special cases.

Related to Relativity

2019 ◽  
pp. 265-284
Author(s):  
Steven J. Osterlind
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
General Relativity ◽  
Special Relativity ◽  
Golden Age ◽  
Albert Einstein ◽  
Space Time ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Scientific Exploration ◽  
Richard Burton ◽  
Time Continuum

This chapter provides the context for the early twentieth-century events contributing to quantification. It was the golden age of scientific exploration, with explorers like David Livingstone, Sir Richard Burton, and Sir Ernest Shackleton, and intellectual pursuits, such as Hilbert’s set of unsolved problems in mathematics. However, most of the chapter is devoted to discussing the last major influencer of quantification: Albert Einstein. His life and accomplishments, including his theory of relativity, make up the final milestone on our road to quantification. The chapter describes his time in Bern, especially in 1905, when he published several famous papers, most particularly his law of special relativity, and later, in 1915, when he expanded it to his theory of general relativity. The chapter also provides a layperson’s description of the space–time continuum. Women of major scientific accomplishments are mentioned, including Madame Currie and the mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani.

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