Syllabus for PHYS 150X
Special Relativity and Spacetime
Instructor:
Len Zane Office: BPB B
202 Office phone:
895-1789
Email:
len.zane@unlv.edu Classroom:
BPB B
248 Time: MW 10 to 11:15 a.m.
Office
Hours: MW 11:15 to 1:00 p.m. or by appointment
Course
Website: www.physics.unlv.edu/~lenz/
This course uses graphs and algebra to explore the
way space and time are measured. The
goal of the course is to develop Einstein=s
theory of Special Relativity by examining the results of a series of simple
“thought” experiments, experiments that can be imagined but that are sometimes
beyond our current technical abilities. The
experimental necessity of Special Relativity will be emphasized. The only prerequisite is curiosity about the
natural world and some skill in algebra.
A major theme of the course is to use graphs to help visualize the main features
of special relativity. This course
satisfies three credits of the Core Requirements in Science.
The text will be a set of notes handed out at the
beginning of classes.
Material for the course will be available at, 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:
Week
1: 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.
Weeks
2 and 3: Measuring Space and time
and displaying information on spacetime diagrams and the important properties
of light. Chapters 1 and 2.
Weeks
3 and 4: The super bus and the
breakdown of intuitive space and time. Chapter
3.
Weeks
4 and 5: Generalizing the results
of the experiments done with the super bus.
Chapter
4.
Weeks
5 and 6: Combined spacetime
diagrams – Minkowski space. Chapter 5.
Weeks
6 and 7: Reviewing what has been
learned about space and time and superluminal travel. Chapter 6 and midterm.
Weeks
7 and 8: The trigger and bomb and
bus and garage paradoxes. Chapter
7.
Week
9: Leaving Earth and
refining the idea of synchronization. Chapter
8.
Week
10: The twin
paradox. Chapter 9.
Week
11 and 12: Space travel and the
introduction of acceleration and the Equivalence Principle. Conservation of Momentum. Chapter 10.
Week
13: The Far Away
Observer (FAO) and a look at why clocks run slow and rulers shrink. Chapter 11.
Week
14: The light clock and
E = mc2. Chapter 12.
Week
15: Review. Final examination is on Monday, December 7,
at 10:10 am.
The
course grade will be based on assignments and the midterm and final examinations.
Assignments 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
the role it plays in the development of Special Relativity.
4.
Be able to explain the role of the velocity of
light in the development of Special Relativity.
5.
Be able to use spacetime diagrams to analyze
“experiments” done in space and time.
6.
Become more comfortable using algebra, geometry,
and especially graphing to solve problems.
7.
Be able to give a plausible answer to the
question: Does it really happen?
Statements
of University Policy
Academic Misconduct – “Academic
integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community; all
share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness,
responsibility and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community,
students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are
encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students
enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner
compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution.”
An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism:
“Using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without
proper citation of the sources.” See the “Student Academic Misconduct Policy”
(approved December 9, 2005) located at: http://studentlife.unlv.edu/judicial/misconductPolicy.html.
Copyright – The
University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use
requirements. You are individually and
solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The
university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility
for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations
of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and
criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University policies.
To familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, you are
encouraged to visit the following website: http://www.unlv.edu/committees/copyright/.
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
– It is important
to know that over two-thirds of the students in the DRC reported that this
syllabus statement, often read aloud by the faculty during class, directed them
to the DRC office.
The
Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinates all academic accommodations for
students with documented disabilities. The DRC is the official office to review
and house disability documentation for students, and to provide them with an
official Academic Accommodation Plan to present to the faculty if an
accommodation is warranted. Faculty should not provide students accommodations
without being in receipt of this plan.
UNLV complies
with the provisions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, offering reasonable
accommodations to qualified students with documented disabilities. If you have
a documented disability that may require accommodations, you will need to
contact the DRC for the coordination of services. The DRC is located in the
Student Services Complex (SSC), Room 137, and the contact numbers are: Voice
(702) 895-0866, TDD (702) 895-0652, fax (702) 895-0651. For additional
information, please visit: http://studentlife.unlv.edu/disability/.
Religious Holidays Policy -- Any student missing class quizzes, examinations,
or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holidays
shall be given an opportunity during that semester to make up missed work. The
make-up will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It shall be the
responsibility of the student to notify the instructor no later than the last
day at late registration of his or her intention to participate in religious
holidays which do not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This
policy shall not apply in the event that administering the test or examination
at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the
university which could not be avoided.
http://catalog.unlv.acalog.com/content.php?catoid=1&navoid=44&bc=1
Tutoring --
The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides tutoring and academic assistance for
all UNLV students taking UNLV courses.
Students are encouraged to stop by the ASC to learn more about subjects
offered, tutoring times and other academic resources. The ASC is located across from the Student
Services Complex, #22 on the current UNLV map. Students may learn more about
tutoring services by calling (702) 895-3177 or visiting the tutoring web site
at: http://academicsuccess.unlv.edu/tutoring/
UNLV Writing
Center – The following statement is recommended for inclusion in course syllabi:
One-on-one or small group assistance
with writing is available free of charge to UNLV students at the Writing
Center, located in CDC-3-301. Although walk-in consultations are sometimes
available, students with appointments will receive priority assistance.
Appointments
may be made in person or by calling 895-3908. The student’s Rebel ID Card, a
copy of the assignment (if possible), and two
copies of any writing to be reviewed are requested for the consultation. More
information can be found at: http://writingcenter.unlv.edu/