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Up: Year 2
Previous: MC222 Optimisation
MC223 Relativity
Credits: 10 |
Convenor: Dr. M. D. Dampier |
Semester: 2 |
Prerequisites: |
essential: MC123 |
|
Assessment: |
Regular coursework: 20% |
One and a half hour exam: 80% |
Lectures: |
18 |
Classes: |
5 |
Tutorials: |
none |
Private Study: |
52 |
Labs: |
none |
Seminars: |
none |
Project: |
none |
Other: |
none |
Total: |
75 |
|
|
Course Description
This course introduces the basic ideas of
Einstein's special theory of relativity. The
connection with Newtonian mechanics is exploited and
the simple k-calculus method of
Milne and Bondi is used to obtain the equations of
the theory. References to experiment
are kept to a minimum.
Aims
The course aims to give the student the ability to use with confidence the ideas of world-
line and space-time and to understand how to solve problems using the Lorentz
transformations and the conservation of 4-momentum. The module forms an essential
foundation for the course MC435 on General Relativity and will also be found useful in
the course MC424 on electromagnetic theory.
Objectives
To be aware of the principle of relativity in Newtonian
mechanics and to see why the
propagation of light poses a difficulty to classical theory.
To learn how to use space-time conceptualisation and the k-calculus.
To understand the difference between the classical and relativistic ideas of time.
To be able to use the Lorentz transformations and 4-vectors to draw out the implications
of the theory.
To understand how an analogy with classical mechanics allows one to obtain a plausible
theory of relativistic mechanics, and to see how the equivalence of mass and energy arises.
To be able to solve relativistic collision problems using both 4-vectors and coordinate
methods.
Syllabus
1. The Law of Inertia
2. The Conservation of Momentum
3. The Speed of Light
4. Events in Space-Time
5. Time: the fundamental fact
6. The Lorentz Transformations
7. The Velocity Transformation Formulae
8. Minkowski Space and 4-Vectors
9. Relativistic Dynamics 1: Conservation of 4-Momentum
10. Relativistic Dynamics 2: E = mc2
11. Relativistic Dynamics 3: Photons
12. Plane Waves
Transferable Skills
Ability to use relativistic ideas in physical theories.
Ability to use 4-vector methods.
Ability to see that conventional ideas are not always correct.
Reading list
Recommended:
W. Rindler,
Introduction to Special Relativity,
Oxford University Press.
L. Marder,
An Introduction to Relativity,
Background:
R. Katz,
An Introduction to the Special Theory of Relativity,
C Kacser,
Introduction to the Special Theory of Relativity,
T.M. Helliwell,
Introduction to Special Relativity,
A.P. French,
Special Relativity ,
R. Resnick,
Introduction to Special Relativity ,
N.D. Mermin,
Space and Time in Special Relativity ,
Details of Assessment
The final assessment of this module will consist of 20% coursework and 80% from the
one and a half hour examination in May/June. The coursework contribution will come
from weekly work. The examination paper will contain 4 questions with full marks
obtainable for solutions to any 3.
Next: MC224 Vector Calculus
Up: Year 2
Previous: MC222 Optimisation
S. J. Ambler
11/20/1999