Is general relativity hard to understand?

While relativity has a reputation for being intimidatingly difficult, it’s a peculiar kind of difficulty. Coming at the subject without any preparation, you hear all kinds of crazy things about time dilating and space stretching, and it seems all very recondite and baffling.

What is Einstein’s general theory of relativity for kids?

According to the general theory of relativity, any mass causes spacetime to curve, and any other mass follows these curves. Bigger mass causes more curving. This was a new way to explain gravitation (gravity). General relativity explains gravitational lensing, which is light bending when it comes near a massive object.

What level of math is required for general relativity?

Prerequisites. A sound knowledge of multivariable calculus (at least Math 212) and linear algebra (at least Math 218). A basic knowledge of classical mechanics and electromagnetism is desirable but the course will endevour to be self-contained.

Should I learn special relativity before general relativity?

Before learning general relativity you need to learn special relativity,classical mechanics,electromagnetism,fluid mechanics,tensors,differential geometry first. this is the way we physics majors learn general relativity.

Why is general relativity so tough?

Problems in Newtonian mechanics can be difficult enough to solve but the much greater mathematical complexity in General Relativity means that problems in GR can only be solved in cases of very special symmetry, in which the number of independent equations can be reduced dramatically.

What does E mc2 mean for dummies?

Einstein’s Big Idea homepage. E = mc2. It’s the world’s most famous equation, but what does it really mean? “Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared.” On the most basic level, the equation says that energy and mass (matter) are interchangeable; they are different forms of the same thing.