81786 - Relativistic Physics (M-Z)

Learning outcomes

The student acquires and consolidates the basic concepts on the theory of special relativity with applications and exercises.

Course contents

Elements of mechanics. Inertial and non-inertial frames. The equivalence of inertial frames, the Galilean principle of relativity. Galileo's transformations. The transformations of the main mechanical quantities and of the laws of motion.

Elements of electromagnetism. The interpretation of electromagnetism in the context of the concept of ether. The main implications: invalidity of the Galilean principle of relativity, the composition of the speed of light. The Michelson interferometer and the Michelson and Morley experiment. Einstein's proposal: the postulates of the theory of special relativity. The construction of new transformations: the Lorentz transformations. The dilation of time, the relativity of simultaneity, the contraction of lengths, the limit speed, the principle of causality. Velocity addition, Doppler effect.

The geometric formulation of the special theory of relativity. Covariant and controvariant components of vectors. Space-time and four-vectors. Lorentz transformations as 'rotations' in space-time. The geometric interpretation of relativistic effects. The principle of covariance.

Relativistic mechanics. The construction of the equation of motion. Momentum, energy and quadrimomentum. Power of force, conservative forces, energy theorem, inertia of energy. Some applications.

Relativistic electrodynamics. Covariant formulation of Maxwell's equations. The transformations of the electric and magnetic fields. The formulation of electromagnetism through potentials, quadripotential. Gauge invariance of electromagnetism.

Experimental tests. Average life of cosmic muons and muons in accelerators, Sagnac effect, clocks moving around the earth, Compton effect, binding energy.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes made available on the platform virtuale.

The Special Theory of Relativity, Vincenzo Barone, Ed. Bollati Boringhieri.

Teaching methods

Lectures on the blackboard and exercises.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a final two hours written test and of a further oral exam.

The written test consists of fifteen closed-ended questions for the most part consisting of numerical exercises in the classroom on an online platform. In order to be admitted to the oral examination a score greater or equal to 18/30 must be achieved.

The oral examination aims to verify the student's basic knowledge and the understanding of the several theoretical aspects of the discipline acquired during the course.

Teaching tools

Didactic material provided by the teacher and made available on VIRTUAL platform.

Office hours

See the website of Nicola Semprini Cesari