Physics in curved spacetime

Abstract

Electromagnetic field theory, and the physics of continuous media (fluids, solids) in curved spacetime are discussed. Generalized Maxwell’s equations are written down and their justifaction is briefly presented. Then we turn to thermodynamics and continuous media. The concept of energy and momentum conservation is carefully expounded, and then the equations for fluid flow (continuity equation and Euler equation) are developed from the divergence of the energy tensor. The Bernoulli equation and the equation for hydrostatic equilibrium are obtained. The chapter then goes on to a general discussion of how general relativity operates and how gravitational phenomena are calculated and observed. The relation between gravity and other aspects of physics such as particle physics is discussed, along with the notion of general covariance.