Before introducing the Einstein field equations, Ohanian develops the required tensor calculus. Topics include: Covariant differentiation The Riemann curvature tensor The Ricci tensor and scalar invariants The Einstein Field Equations
While this approach is not widely accepted as a replacement for general relativity, it offers a new insight into the nature of gravity and spacetime. Further research is needed to explore the implications and applications of Ohanian's work.
While Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler’s "Gravitation" (MTW) is the "phone book" of the field, Ohanian is often considered more accessible for a first-year graduate student. It occupies a similar space to Hartle’s "Gravity," but with a slightly more traditional mathematical rigor that appeals to those who prefer a standard tensor-based introduction. Conclusion ohanian gravitation and spacetime pdf
Platforms like the Internet Archive often host scanned copies of older or out-of-print editions of Gravitation and Spacetime . Through Controlled Digital Lending, you can legally borrow the digital book for a set period to read or study. Publisher and Retailer Ebooks
The physical textbook is dense and heavy. A digital version allows students to quickly search for specific equations, tensors, or historical experiments during intense study sessions or open-book examinations. Interactive Study and Annotation While Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler’s "Gravitation" (MTW) is
Unlike many texts that start with curved spacetime, Ohanian and Ruffini begin with Newtonian gravity and special relativity, moving into linearized relativistic gravitation. This approach is advantageous because it makes the geometrical aspect of gravitation a natural conclusion, rather than an arbitrary starting assumption. 2. A Physical Perspective
| Textbook | Comparison to Ohanian | | :--- | :--- | | | MTW is the bible of GR, but it is massive and overwhelming. Ohanian covers similar ground but is much more concise and organized linearly (Chapter 1 -> 2 -> 3), whereas MTW is non-linear. | | Bernard Schutz ("A First Course") | Schutz is gentler and better for self-study by beginners. Ohanian assumes a higher level of mathematical maturity and moves faster toward rigorous derivations. | | Sean Carroll ("Spacetime and Geometry") | Carroll focuses heavily on the modern differential geometry approach (Manifolds, Forms). Ohanian is more grounded in the traditional "Physics" style of argument. | | Steven Weinberg ("Gravitation and Cosmology") | Weinberg is famously rigorous and difficult. Ohanian is essentially a more accessible, pedagogically refined version of Weinberg's approach. | Through Controlled Digital Lending, you can legally borrow
Gravitation and Spacetime by Ohanian and Ruffini remains a premier text that makes complex physics approachable. Its emphasis on experimental verification, logical progression, and physical intuition provides students with a solid foundation in modern gravitation theory. If you'd like, I can:
Which (e.g., gravitational waves, black holes) you are currently focusing on?