TLÜ ÕIS

Electrodynamics and the Special Theory of Relativity

Course code

MLF6108.LT

old course code

MLF6108

Course title in Estonian

Elektrodünaamika ja erirelatiivsusteooria

Course title in English

Electrodynamics and the Special Theory of Relativity

ECTS credits

5.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2026/2027 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

- to support the development of understandings specific to the worldview of modern physics;
- to create opportunities for a deeper understanding of electromagnetism and mechanics from the perspective of non-classical physics.

Brief description of the course

The general goal of the subject is to introduce the special theory of relativity as the primary theory of non-classical physics. Insufficiency of classical mechanics. Fizeau and Michelson experiment. Special theory of relativity. Lorentz transformations and their conclusions: simultaneity of events in different reference systems, body contraction and time dilation. Twin paradox. Interval. Addition of velocities in a non-inertial system. Relativistic Doppler effect. Relativistic dynamics, relativistic momentum. The relationship between mass and energy in the relativistic case. Basic concepts of field theory. Electric field. Continuity equation. Field of a moving charge.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- can solve problems involving the movement, collision and decomposition of bodies;
- knows about the relationship and unity of time and space, and the characteristics of objects with zero mass;
- understands the importance of non-classical physics in describing the Universe;
- can distinguish areas where relativistic shortening is the only conceivable one;
- is able to adequately and physically correctly discuss relativistic effects.

Teacher

PhD Erkki Soika

Prerequisite course 1

Mechanics (MLF6025.LT)

Study programmes containing that course