Special Theory of Relativity
Course code
MLF6118.LT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Erirelatiivsusteooria
Course title in English
Special Theory of Relativity
ECTS credits
4.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2024/2025 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2024/2025 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 in the
worldview of modern physics;
To provide a deeper understanding of mechanics from
the point of view of non-classical physics.
worldview of modern physics;
To provide a deeper understanding of mechanics from
the point of view of non-classical physics.
Brief description of the course
The general aim of the subject is to introduce the theory of special relativity as a primary theory of non-classical physics. The inadequacy of classical mechanics. Fizeau and Michelson experiment. Special theory of relativity. Lorentz transformations and their conclusions: simultaneity of events in different background systems, body contraction and time dilatation. The twin paradox. Interval. Adding velocities in a noninertial system. Relativistic Doppler effect. Relativistic dynamics, relativistic momentum. The relationship between mass and energy in a relativistic case.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- has ability to solve the tasks of movement, collision and decay of bodies;
- has knowledge of the relationship and unity of time and space and the peculiarities of objects with mass 0;
- understands the importance of non-classical physics in the Universe;
- has ability to distinguish areas where relativistic shortening is unthinkable;
- has ability to discuss about relativistic effects.
- has ability to solve the tasks of movement, collision and decay of bodies;
- has knowledge of the relationship and unity of time and space and the peculiarities of objects with mass 0;
- understands the importance of non-classical physics in the Universe;
- has ability to distinguish areas where relativistic shortening is unthinkable;
- has ability to discuss about relativistic effects.
Teacher
dots Erkki Soika
Prerequisite course 1
Study programmes containing that course