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Astrophysics, Cosmology & Relativity

General Relativity

Albert Einstein's 1915 geometric theory of gravitation describing gravity not as an attractive force, but as the curvature of 4D spacetime produced by mass and energy.

Governing formula G_μν + Λ g_μν = (8 π G / c⁴) T_μν
SI unit Geometric Field Theory

In depth

Einstein's field equations relate the Einstein curvature tensor G_μν to the stress-energy tensor T_μν of matter and radiation. Free-falling objects follow straight paths (geodesics) through curved spacetime. Predicts black holes, gravitational lensing, and gravitational waves.

Examples in the real world

Precession of Mercury's perihelion orbit around the Sun matching general relativity predictions perfectly.