From Geometry to Gravity: A Friendly Introduction to the Schwarzschild Metric

Abstract

The first exact solution to the field equations of general relativity was found by the German physicist and astronomer Karl Schwarzschild in 1916. Due to its simplicity and its various astronomical applications, the Schwarzschild solution is the most important, which gives it great educational potential. However, this potential is not usually exploited, since the Schwarzschild solution is generally taught in advanced undergraduate physics courses or in specialized graduate courses. The objective of this article is to offer a friendly introduction to the Schwarzschild solution, and at the same time analyze some concepts of Riemannian geometry and general relativity, employing only simple mathematical tools that do not go beyond the rudiments of differential and integral calculus.