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SI150V Introductory Relativity Theory 4.5 credits

Inledande relativitetsteori

  • Educational level

    First cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    A

  • Subject area

    Physics
    Techonology

  • Grade scale

    P, F

Course offerings

Autumn 12 for single courses students

  • Periods

    Autumn 12 P2 (4.5 credits)

  • Application code

    10080

  • Start date

    22/10/2012

  • End date

    2013 week: 1

  • Language of instruction

    Swedish

  • Campus

    -

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    IT based distance

  • Number of places *

    5 - 30

    *) The Course date may be cancelled if number of admitted are less than minimum of places. If there are more applicants than number of places selection will be made.

Spring 13 Vecka 03-11 for single courses students

  • Periods

    Spring 13 P3 (4.5 credits)

  • Application code

    20036

  • Start date

    07/01/2013

  • End date

    2013 week: 11

  • Language of instruction

    Swedish

  • Campus

    -

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    IT based distance

  • Number of places *

    Max. 75

    *) If there are more applicants than number of places selection will be made.

  • Course responsible

    Patrik Henelius <henelius@kth.se>

Spring 13 Vecka 12-22 for single courses students

  • Periods

    Spring 13 P4 (4.5 credits)

  • Application code

    20037

  • Start date

    18/03/2013

  • End date

    2013 week: 21

  • Language of instruction

    Swedish

  • Campus

    -

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    IT based distance

  • Number of places *

    Max. 75

    *) If there are more applicants than number of places selection will be made.

  • Course responsible

    Patrik Henelius <henelius@kth.se>

Spring 13 for single courses students - To application

  • Periods

    Spring 13 P5 (4.5 credits)

  • Application code

    40019

  • Start date

    03/06/2013

  • End date

    2013 week: 34

  • Language of instruction

    Swedish

  • Campus

    -

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    IT based distance

  • Number of places *

    5 - 40

    *) The Course date may be cancelled if number of admitted are less than minimum of places. If there are more applicants than number of places selection will be made.

  • Course responsible

    Patrik Henelius <henelius@kth.se>

  • Application

    Apply for this course at antagning.se through this application link.
    Please note that you need to log in at antagning.se to finalize your application.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course you should be familiar with basic concepts in both the theory of relativity and the mechanics prior to Einstein, for example, invariance and symmetry, observers and reference frames. You should have gained insight into the contradictions between the Newtonian mechanics and Maxwell's equations that led to the revolution of relativity. You should be able to transform time and space between observer that move relative to each other and realize how these transformations lead to length contraction and tidsdiltation. Realize the connection between mass and energy to have insight in  how relativistic phenomena are exploited in technological applications.

Course main content

Translations and simple rotations, the notion of invariance in physics, the definition of space and time in Newtonian mechanics, Galileiinvarians, addition of velocitites in Newtonian mechanics, the concepts of inertial and rest frames of reference, Lorentz time transformation, the nature of light and speed, the Michelson-Morley experiment and Lorentzcontractionen, simultaneity, length contraction,  the twin paradox, relativistic kinematics and relativistic reactions.

Disposition

Internet based distance learning with interactive problems and examination. Contact with teachers through a web interface.

Eligibility

Completed high school education including Swedish and English. Furthermore high school mathematics at Swedish level D, physics at level B and chemistry at level A with a passing grade.

Literature

Webbased material available on the homepage

Examination

  • INL1 - Assignment, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • INL2 - Assignment, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • INL3 - Assignment, 1.5 credits, grade scale: P, F

Requirements for final grade

Three completed sets of problems.

Offered by

SCI/Theoretical Undergaduate Physics

Contact

Patrik Henelius, e-post: henelius@kth.se

Examiner

Patrik Henelius <henelius@kth.se>

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 07.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 07.