The elements of General Relativity

This chapter is a survey of central ideas and equations in general relativity. The basic equations are written down with a view to seeing where we are heading in the book, and in order to present both the field theory and the geometric interpretation of gravity. The central role of the metric is introduced, and the equivalence principle is discussed. It is emphasized that spacetime interval is both a mathematical and a physical idea. It is explained how gravity works “behind the scenes” by modifying equations which otherwise look like familiar equations of electromagnetism. The sense in which acceleration is in some respects a relative and in some respects an absolute concept is explained. It is shown why the motion of matter, not just its mass, must influence gravitation. The stress-energy tensor is introduced and defined.