Tensor notation. The meaning of relativity. Einstein’s postulates. Geometry of Minkowski space and Lorentz transformations. Length contraction and time dilation. Experimental tests of special relativity. Twin paradox and proper time. Relativistic optics. Relativistic mechanics. Electrodynamics. Hamilton and Lagrange formalism in relativity.
SI2371 Special Relativity 6.0 credits
This course will be discontinued.
Last planned examination: Autumn 2026
Decision to discontinue this course:
No information inserted
Information per course offering
Information for Autumn 2024 Start 28 Oct 2024 programme students
- Course location
AlbaNova
- Duration
- 28 Oct 2024 - 13 Jan 2025
- Periods
- P2 (6.0 hp)
- Pace of study
33%
- Application code
51559
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
Places are not limited
- Target group
- No information inserted
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Part of programme
Contact
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus SI2371 (Spring 2022–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After completion of the course you should be able to:
- Use tensor notation in relativity.
- Use Lorentz transformations.
- Apply the concepts of length contraction and time dilation.
- Describe experimental tests of special relativity.
- Use and solve problems in relativistic optics.
- Use and solve problems in relativistic mechanics (including kinematic problems).
- Analyze Maxwell’s equations and use their relativistic invariance.
- Explain the principle of relativity.
- Perform simple analyses using the Hamilton and Lagrange formalisms in special relativity.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
English B / English 6
Completed course in Vector Analysis (SI1146, ED1110, or equivalent)
Completed course in Theoretical Electrical Engineering (EI1320 or equivalent)
Completed course in Physical Mathematical Methods (SI1200 or equivalent)
Literature
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- TEN1 - Examination, 6.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
The course is examined through an exam, which normally is a written exam.
- TEN1 - Examination, 6.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Other requirements for final grade
Written examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.