Most people have heard of the famous equation - E=mc² - some people might even know that it comes from Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, a theory that is now considered to be one of the greatest intellectual achievements of all time. But what is Relativity? Where does it come from? Why is it important? In this short course, learn how Einstein’s theory helps us to understand the complexities and mysteries of space and time, concepts that are fundamental to physics. And we’ll do this without using challenging mathematics.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Relativity: An introduction to space-time physics, Steve Adams
• The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Space, Time, and Motion, Sean M. Carroll

COURSE OUTLINE

• A short history of relativity, The Michelson-Morley experiment
• Einstein and the Principles of Special Relativity
• Time dilation; evidence for time dilation, The Twin Paradox
• Length contraction, Simultaneity in relativity
• Spacetime and the Lorentz transformation, Work-Energy Theorem
• Relativistic energy, E=mc², Experimental evidence

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, student should be able to:

1. Discover the reasons for the birth of the theory of special relativity
2. Know the two principles of special relativity
3. Understand time dilation and length contraction
4. Discover the origin and meaning of E=mc²
5. Understand the relationship between modern technology and the theory of relativity