Relativity What are the necessary prerequisites for understanding Gravitation?

AI Thread Summary
Gravitation by John Wheeler, Kip Thorn, and Charles Misner is recognized as a challenging text, often requiring a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. To effectively engage with this book, one must first grasp the principles of special relativity and have a strong background in undergraduate-level physics and mathematics. It is emphasized that simply reading supplementary materials may not suffice; a structured study of relevant topics over several years is necessary to build the requisite knowledge for understanding general relativity.
billbrown1997
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I recently got my hands on a copy of Gravitation by John Wheeler, Kip Thorn and Charles Misner. Reading the first few pages are very discouraging. The limit of my physics knowledge are from taking high school physics. What book would give me the knowledge I need to read Gravitation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
General relativity is typically taken as an advanced undergraduate or as a graduate course. Having the prerequisites involves studying mathematics and physics for several years. It will not be sufficient to simply read a book.
 
Combat Special Relativity before you face that monster of a subject.
 
This thread only works as a summary from the original source: List of STEM Masterworks in Physics, Mechanics, Electrodynamics... The original thread got very long and somewhat hard to read so I have compiled the recommendations from that thread in an online (Google Drive) spreadsheet. SUMMARY Permits are granted so you can make comments on the spreadsheet but I'll initially be the only one capable of edition. This is to avoid the possibility of someone deleting everything either by mistake...

Similar threads

  • Poll Poll
Replies
15
Views
24K
Replies
15
Views
6K
Replies
243
Views
56K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
21
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top