Does general relativity require calculus?

Both special and general relativity heavily rely on vectors and vector calculus. So, to truly get a deep understanding of these, you should begin with actually learning these mathematical concepts. If you have a basic high school -level knowledge of math and physics, you can probably skip this step.

How do you understand relativity?

Starts here5:55Understanding Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity – YouTubeYouTube

Is general relativity same as special relativity?

Special relativity applies to all physical phenomena in the absence of gravity. General relativity explains the law of gravitation and its relation to other forces of nature. It applies to the cosmological and astrophysical realm, including astronomy.

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 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 should I study before studying general relativity?

Personally, I’m more of the opinion that one should go and learn other physics before tackling general relativity. A solid background in classical mechanics with exposure to Hamiltonians, Lagrangians, and action principles at least.

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.