Classical Physics: Spacetime and Fields
Abstract
We present a self-contained introduction to the classical theory of spacetime and fields. This exposition is based on the most general principles: the principle of general covariance (relativity) and the principle of least action. The order of the exposition is: 1. Spacetime (principle of general covariance and tensors, affine connection, curvature, metric, space and time, tetrad and spin connection, Lorentz group, spinors); 2. Fields (principle of least action, gravitational field, matter, symmetries and conservation laws, particle limit of field, gravitational field equations, spinor fields, electromagnetic field). In this order, a particle is a special case of a field existing in spacetime, and classical mechanics can be derived from field theory.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0911.0334,
title = {Classical Physics: Spacetime and Fields},
author = {Nikodem Popławski},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0911.0334},
year = {2024}
}
Comments
151 pages, 3 figures