Syllabus for PHYS 120

Introduction to Einstein=s Spacetime

Instructor: Len Zane Office: BPB B 202 Office phone: 895-1789

email: len.zane@unlv.edu Classroom: BPB B 248 Time: TR 10 to 11:15 p.m.

This course is an algebra-based exploration of Einstein=s theory of Special Relativity. The topics covered will include but not be limited to time dilation, length contraction, the addition of velocities, the Lorentz transformation, the Twin Paradox, and space-time diagrams. The beauty and consistency of Special Relativity will be emphasized. The only prerequisite is curiosity about the natural world and minimal skills in algebra. A major theme of the course is to use space-time graphs to help visualize the main features of special relativity. This course satisfies three credits of the Core Requirements in Science.

The text for the course is It=s About Time by N. David Mermin

Material for the course can be found on the website: www. physics.unlv.edu/~lenz/

The schedule below represents the topics that will be covered but the speed at which the topics are covered may be modified:

Weeks 1 & 2 A brief review of the History of Science from the Dawn of Time to 1905 with emphasis on the power of observation, logic, and mathematics including a discussion of the Scientific Method and the Principle of Relativity. (Chapters 1 and 2 in the text)

Weeks 3 to 5 The connection between the Global Positioning Satellite system (GPS) and the theories of relativity. Use the constancy of the speed of light to derive the addition of velocities formula. (Chapters 3 and 4 in the text.)

Weeks 5 to 7 Develop the consequences of the principle of relativity and the constancy of the speed of light on moving clocks and meter sticks. (Chapters 5 and 6 in the text.)

Weeks 7 to 9 “Looking” at a moving Clock B a recapitulation of events that led to our conclusions. (Chapter 7 in the text.)

Weeks 9 to 11 The value and construction of space time diagrams. (Chapters 8 and 10 in the text B skip Chapter 9.)

Weeks 12 & 13 An introduction to relativistic dynamics B E = mc². (Chapter 11 in text.)

Weeks 14 & 15 A look at general relativity and a discussion of whether moving clocks REALLY run slow and moving meter sticks REALLY shrink.

The Final Examination will be on Tuesday, May 5 at 10:10 a.m.

The course grade will be based on assignments/quizzes, a midterm examination, and a final examination.

Assignments and Quizzes B 50%

Midterm Examination B 20%

Final Examination B 30%

Objectives:

1. Be able to explain in detail how the ancient Greek scientists determined the size of earth, moon, and sun and the distance between earth and moon and earth and sun.

2. Understand the characteristics that define a scientific theory as opposed to theories that are not Ascientific.@

3. Be able to explain the principle of relativity and to use it to deduce the outcome of some simple collision problems.

4. Be able to explain how the Arelativity of simultaneity@ lies at the heart of the most famous “paradoxes” of special relativity.

5. Understand the space-time interval between events and be able to pictorially represent simple situations on space-time diagrams.

6. Be able to explain the physics of the twin paradox and to understand why it is not an actual paradox.

7. Become more comfortable using algebra, geometry, and especially graphing to solve problems.

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