EXPLORING BLACK HOLES: AN INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL RELATIVITY

A concise, direct examination of general relativity and black holes, "Exploring Black Holes" provides tools that motivate tools that motivate readers to become active participants in carrying out their own investigations about curved spacetime near earth and black holes. The authors use calculus and algebra to make general relativity accessible, and use quotes from well-known personalities, including Einstein, to offer further insight. Five chapters introduce basic theory. The book also includes seven projects regarding the analysis of major applications. Discussions provide the background needed to carry out projects. The book''s projects guide readers as they fill in steps, compute outcomes and carry out their own investigations. For astronomers, mathematicians and people interested in learning about the relativity of black holes. -- New Revised and expanded exercises; Project: Advance of the Perihelion of Mercury; Einstein Rings; Microlensing; Mixmaster oscillations inside black holes; Radiant temperature near black holes; Corrected and updated models of the Universe. -- Chapters provide the background needed to carry out exercises and projects. Projects guide readers as they fill in steps, compute physical outcomes, and are encouraged to carry out their own investigations. -- Sample problems and boxed material, including interesting asides, applications, and points of view, help clarify the application strategies and results. Quotes from well-known scientists, particularly Albert Einstein, offer further insights. The goal of this unique book is to provide the tools for readers to become active participants in carrying out their own investigations about curved spacetime near Earth and black holes. To that end, the book uses calculus and algebra, rather than tensors, to make general relativity accessible. Five chapters introduce basic theory and seven projects guide readers in the analysis of major applications. To facilitate study and review, each section begins with a summary of the key idea. Marginal notes highlight other important points.