| CODE | PHY2295 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Relativistic Mechanics | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Physics | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Special relativity forms the basis of many fields in modern physics due to its foundational position in relating inertial observers and their measurements of physical experiments. This study-unit will build on Galilean relativity by introducing the Lorentz transformations and their impact on Maxwell's theory of light. Students will then be introduced to many of the classical 'paradoxes' in special relativity. The study-unit will also cover the core special relativity results related to kinematics and dynamics. This will conclude with an introduction to the large range of applications that special relativity can lead to in several other fields of modern physics. Study-unit Aims: - An in-depth understanding of Galilean relativity and an understanding of the limits that led to the necessity of special relativity; - Familiarization with the concept of a reference frame; - Basic of the principles of special relativity and an understanding of the limit where is takes over from Galilean relativity; - Inconsistency of Maxwell's equations with Galilean relativity in the relativistic limit; - Explanations of the foundational experiments that led to tests special relativity; - An introduction to the relativity of simultaneity and causality; - Introduction and analysis of spacetime diagrams for stationary, moving and accelerating systems; - In-depth analysis of the Lorentz transformations including the Lorentz invariant; - Introduction to the idea of measurement theory in relativity where length contraction, time dilation and Doppler shifts will all be investigated; - In-depth analysis of relativistic conservation laws with their Lorentz transformation analogues; - Familiarization with the classical 'paradox' examples of special relativity; - Explanation of Euclidean and Minkowski metrics; - Familiarization with acceleration (constant acceleration, synchronization, limits of special relativity); - Foundational elements of the impact of special relativity on kinematics; - Introduction to relativistic interactions (four-vectors, four-momentum, types of collisions, scattering); - Introduction to electromagnetic field tensor; - Familiarization of the relativistic application of the electromagnetic field tensor in different setting. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the need for special relativity in the context of Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism; - Identify the distinction between inertial and non-inertial frames of reference; - State the basic principles of special relativity; - Identify key experiments that need special relativity to be explained; - Explain the concept of relativity of simultaneity and how causality is refined in special relativity; - Identify spacetime diagrams and how they can be used to describe systems in motion; - Explain the Lorentz transformation and the Lorentz invariant; - Explain the distinction between a measurement and rest frame quantities; - State the relativistic conservation laws; - Explain scattering in special relativity by using four-vectors; - Identify and explain the standard relativity 'paradoxes'; - Identify and explain the Euclidean and Minkowski metrics; - Explain the role of acceleration within relativity and the limits of special relativity as a whole; - Explain the electromagnetic field tensor; - Identify the need for special relativity in classical electrodynamics. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Perform relativistic calculations using Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism; - Calculate transformations between inertial frames; - Perform calculations on the standard experiments in special relativity; - Determine the causal structure of a system; - Draw and interpret spacetime diagrams for stationary, moving and accelerating systems; - Perform calculations using the Lorentz transformations; - Use relativistic analogues of conservations laws; - Determine outcomes from scattering experiments in relativistic scenarios; - Show consistency in so-called 'paradoxes'; - Perform calculations on rotational systems; - Use Euclidean and Minkowski metrics; - Perform calculations in accelerating systems; - Use relativistic calculations in classical electrodynamics settings. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Principle Textbook - Tsamparlis, M., `Special Relativity: An Introduction with 200 Problems and Solutions', first edition, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Supplementary Textbook - Woodhouse, N.M.J., `Special Relativity', first edition, Springer-Verlag London. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-Requisite Study-unit: Introduction to Classical Mechanics and Waves | ||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Jackson Said |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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