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SI2371 Special Relativity 6.0 credits

Information per course offering

Termin

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]

Contact

Examiner
No information inserted
Course coordinator
No information inserted
Teachers
No information inserted

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–)
Headings with content from the Course syllabus SI2371 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

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.

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

You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

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.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Engineering Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle