An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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A system of ten non-linear → partial differential equations in the theory of → general relativity which relate the curvature of → space-time with the distribution of matter-energy. They have the form: G_μν = -κ T_μν, where G_μν is the → Einstein tensor (a function of the → metric tensor), κ is a coupling constant called the → Einstein gravitational constant, and T_μν is the → energy-momentum tensor. The field equations mean that the curvature of space-time is due to the distribution of mass-energy in space. A more general form of the field equations proposed by Einstein is: G_μν + Λg_μν = - κT_μν, where Λ is the → cosmological constant.

Named after Albert Einstein (1879-1955); → field; → equation.

In a physical theory, an equation that describe how a fundamental force interacts with matter. Einstein's equations of → general relativity are called field equations since they describe the → gravitational field. Similarly, → Maxwell's equations describe the electromagnetic field.

→ field; → equation.