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PHY303Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Special Relativity

This course explores the principles of special relativity, beginning with Einstein's postulates and the Lorentz transformations. It covers kinematic consequences such as length contraction, time dilation, and velocity addition. The course also examines relativistic momentum and energy, mass-energy equivalence, and experimental verification of special relativity. Finally, it delves into the four-vector formulation of electrodynamics, including magnetism as a relativistic phenomenon and the transformation of electric and magnetic fields.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Special RelativityLorentz TransformationTime DilationMass-Energy EquivalenceFour-Vectors

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Einstein's Postulates

2

Lorentz Transformation

3

Time Dilation

4

Length Contraction

5

Relativistic Momentum

6

Relativistic Energy

7

Four-Vectors

8

Maxwell's Equations

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Theoretical Physicist

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Research Scientist

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Data Analyst

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Aerospace Engineer

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Science Educator

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AerospaceTelecommunicationsParticle Physics ResearchMedical ImagingNavigation Systems

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: EINSTIEN'S POSTULATES AND LORENTZ TRANSFORMATIONS

4h

Unit 1: Galilean Transformation

4 study hours
  • Define frame of reference and explain Galilean transformation.
  • Demonstrate invariance of Newtonian mechanics equations.
  • Discuss the ether hypothesis and its significance.
Week
2

Module 1: EINSTIEN'S POSTULATES AND LORENTZ TRANSFORMATIONS

5h

Unit 2: Einstein's Postulates and Lorentz Transformation

5 study hours
  • Explain Einstein's postulates and their implications.
  • Discuss the concept of simultaneity and its relativity.
  • Derive the Lorentz transformation equations.
Week
3

Module 1: EINSTIEN'S POSTULATES AND LORENTZ TRANSFORMATIONS

6h

Unit 3: Kinematic Consequences of Lorentz Transformation

6 study hours
  • Solve problems related to length contraction and time dilation.
  • Apply velocity transformation equations to calculate relative velocities.
  • Analyze the twin paradox and its resolution.
Week
4

Module 2: CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOMNETUM AND ENERGY

5h

Unit 1: Relativity of Mass

5 study hours
  • Derive the formula for variation of mass with velocity.
  • Discuss momentum and force in relativistic mechanics.
  • Solve problems related to relativistic momentum.
Week
5

Module 2: CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOMNETUM AND ENERGY

5h

Unit 2: Relativistic Energy

5 study hours
  • Derive the equations for relativistic work and kinetic energy.
  • Discuss the mass-energy equivalence and its implications.
  • Solve problems related to relativistic energy.
Week
6

Module 2: CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOMNETUM AND ENERGY

4h

Unit 3: Experimental Verification of Special Relativity

4 study hours
  • Discuss experimental evidence supporting the constancy of the speed of light.
  • Analyze experimental evidence for time dilation and length contraction.
  • Review experimental tests of relativistic momentum and energy.
Week
7

MODULE 3: ELECTROMAGNETIC FOUR-VECTOR

4h

Unit 1: Four-Vector

4 study hours
  • Explain orthogonal transformations and their properties.
  • Demonstrate that Lorentz transformation is orthogonal.
  • Perform simple four-vector algebra.
Week
8

MODULE 3: ELECTROMAGNETIC FOUR-VECTOR

5h

Unit 2: Magnetism as a Relativistic Phenomenon

5 study hours
  • Explain how magnetism arises as a relativistic phenomenon.
  • Analyze electric charges and charge density in different frames of reference.
  • Discuss the relationship between electric and magnetic forces.
Week
9

MODULE 3: ELECTROMAGNETIC FOUR-VECTOR

6h

Unit 3: Transformation of the Electric and Magnetic Fields

6 study hours
  • Discuss the transformation properties of the differential operator.
  • Derive the four-vector form of the continuity equation.
  • Express Maxwell's equations in four-vector form.
Week
10

Module 1: EINSTIEN'S POSTULATES AND LORENTZ TRANSFORMATIONS

4h

Module 1 Review

4 study hours
  • Review Module 1 concepts.
  • Practice problems on Galilean and Lorentz transformations.
  • Solve numerical problems on kinematic consequences.
Week
11

Module 2: CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRANSFORMATIONS OF MOMNETUM AND ENERGY

4h

Module 2 Review

4 study hours
  • Review Module 2 concepts.
  • Practice problems on relativistic momentum and energy.
  • Solve numerical problems on mass-energy equivalence.
Week
12

MODULE 3: ELECTROMAGNETIC FOUR-VECTOR

4h

Module 3 Review

4 study hours
  • Review Module 3 concepts.
  • Practice problems on four-vectors and electrodynamics.
  • Solve numerical problems on field transformations.
Week
13

Comprehensive Course Review

5h

Final Revision

5 study hours
  • Comprehensive review of all course materials.
  • Practice exam questions and problem-solving.
  • Final preparation for examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create flashcards for key formulas and concepts from each unit.

2

Practice solving numerical problems from the TMAs and SAQs weekly.

3

Focus on understanding the derivations of Lorentz transformations and energy-momentum relations.

4

Create concept maps linking Modules 1-3 to visualize relationships between topics.

5

Review experimental verifications in Unit 3 to understand practical applications.

6

Allocate specific time slots for revision each day in the week before the exam.

7

Prioritize understanding over memorization - focus on applying concepts to new situations.

8

Attempt past exam papers to familiarize yourself with the question format and difficulty level.

9

Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts and solve problems collaboratively.

10

Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet during the exam period to optimize performance.

11

On exam day, read each question carefully and manage your time effectively.

12

Start with questions you are confident in to build momentum and confidence.

13

Double-check your answers for errors and ensure all units are consistent.

14

Stay calm and focused throughout the exam - trust in your preparation and knowledge.

15

Remember to bring all necessary materials (calculator, pens, ID) to the exam venue.

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