Mechanics and Relativity

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Mechanics and Relativity
Leerdoelen	At the end of the course, the student is able to: 1. develop and use models (e.g., spacetime diagrams, equations) to explain how special relativity describes and explains the relationships between particles/objects in constant relative motion with respect to each other; 2. develop and use models (e.g., spacetime diagrams, equations) to explain how the speed of light is constant in all reference frames; 3. develop and use models (e.g., spacetime diagrams, equations) to explain how inertial reference frames are velocity-dependent and not position-dependent; 4. develop and use models (e.g., spacetime diagrams, equations) to explain how the kinematics of particles/objects are determined by observers in different reference frames; 5. solve simple physics problems by dimensional analysis and make reasonable order of magnitude estimates - given limited information and without the use of a calculator; 6. use models (e.g., free body diagrams, graphs, equations) to explain how interactions between particles/objects in a system are due to the forces and the changes in energies between those particles/objects with respect to an inertial frame; 7. use models (e.g., free body diagrams, graphs, equations) to explain how Newton's laws of motion describe the mathematical relationships regarding the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration; 8. use models (e.g., free body diagrams, graphs, equations) to explain how total (translational and angular) momentum for a system of particles/objects are conserved when there is no net force acting on the system; 9. use models (e.g., free body diagrams, graphs, equations) to explain how energy, at the macroscopic scale, can be accounted for as a combination of the energies associated with the (translational, oscillatory, rotational) motions and relative positions of particles/objects; 10. use models (e.g., free body diagrams, graphs, equations) to explain how Newton's Laws of Gravitation can be used to describe and predict the gravitational forces between particles/objects (e.g., asteroids, planets), in addition to their locations and motions.
Omschrijving	This course addresses topics in special relativity and mechanics at varying levels of mathematical complexity. While these topics are connected to each other, they can be studied independently. The topics for these courses include: • special theory of relativity (principle of relativity, synchronization of clocks, the nature of time, the metric equation, proper time, coordinate transformations, Lorentz contraction, cosmic speed limit, and conservation of four-momentum); • general reasoning strategies relating to dimensional analysis and estimations (Fermi problems); • Newtonian mechanics of particles/objects (vectorial form of Newton's laws, Cartesian and polar coordinates, statics, projectile motion, work, kinetic energy, potential energy and momentum, conservation laws, collisions, simple harmonic oscillators, fictitious forces, and dynamics of rigid bodies that address angular momentum, moment of inertia, torque, conservation of angular momentum) in two dimensions and/or three dimensions.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Werkcollege (T) (LC 66, T 64 hrs, self study 150)
Toetsvorm	Meerkeuze toets (MC), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE) (2 written exam over period Ia and IIa, comprised of three cumulative tests with weight factors 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5. These tests will be held after 3, 6 and 8 weeks each period.)
Vaksoort	propedeuse
Coördinator	P.D. Meerburg, PhD.
Docent(en)	M.H. Lee, PhD. , P.D. Meerburg, PhD.
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Mechanics & Relativity (Custom Edition University of Groningen) McGraw-Hill Education 2020 T.A. Moore 978-1-3075-9349-5
Entreevoorwaarden
Opmerkingen	The first part of this course unit, taught and assessed in period Ia, coincides with Mechanics & Relativity 1 for first-year Mathematics students. Mechanics & Relativity 2 is an elective for Mathematics students and coincides with the lectures, tutorials and exams of Mechanics & Relativity (WPPH16006) in period Ib. If you already bought/have Six Ideas that shaped Physics, unit R-- The laws of physics are frame independent, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill - T.A. Moore - ISBN 9780077600952, this should be sufficient as well. This course was registered last year with course code WPPH16006
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type BSc Courses for Exchange Students: Astronomy - Physics - Energy & Environment - semester I BSc Life Science and Technology  (Specialisation - Physics) 3 semester I b verplicht BSc Mathematics and Physics (double degree) 1 semester I verplicht BSc Natuurkunde 1 semester I verplicht BSc Sterrenkunde 1 semester I verplicht BSc Technische Natuurkunde 1 semester I verplicht