81786 - Relativistic Physics (A-L)

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire and consolidate the basic concepts on the theory of special relativity with applications and exercises.

Course contents

Introduction

Historical introduction and main landmarks in the development of the Special Theory of Relativity, the Galileian principle of relativity, inertial and non-inertial frames, the equivalence of inertial frames and the Galileain transformation.

The aberration of light, attempt to measure the dragging of aether, the experiments of Fizeau and Michelson-Morley. The Lorentz-FitzGerald contraction hypothesis, the increase of the mass of the electron with speed, the experiment of Kaufmann, Bucherer, Guye. Einstein proposal: the postulates of the theory of special relativity.

Relativistic Kinematics

The Lorentz transformation, the contraction of lenght and the time dilation. The transformation of velocity and acceleration, proper acceleration, Doppler effect and relativistic beaming.

Relativistic Dynamics

The definition of relativistic momentum and relativistic energy, the energy-mass equivalence, conservation of momentum and energy, transformation of momentum and energy, the zero-momentum frame of reference, Compton effect, transformation of force, the motion of a charged particle in a constant electric and magnetic fields.

Minkowski's space-time and four-vectors

Space-time and four-vectors, Lorentz transformations as rotations in space-time, Minkowski Diagram and geometric interpretation of relativistic effects, Mandelstam's variables.

Relativistic electrodymanics

The transformation of the electric and the magnetic field, covariant formulation of Lorentz's froce and Maxwell's equations, fields of a moving electric charge.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures notes made available on the platform virtuale.

-- Relatività. Princìpi e applicazioni

Vincenzo Barone

(Bollati Boringhieri, 2021)

-- The Special Theory of Relativity – Foundations, Theory, Verification, Applications

Costas Christodoulides

(Springer, 2016)

-- Special Relativity

Valerio Faraone

(Springer 2014)

-- Relativity Matters

Johann Rafelski

(Springer 2017)

Teaching methods

Lectures on the blackboard and exercises.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a two-hour written test and an optional oral exam.

The written test includes:

- 3 exercises on topics covered during the course. Students must show all steps of their work to allow assessment of the logical reasoning used. Each exercise is worth a maximum of 6 points. This section is designed to evaluate the student’s ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems.

- 6 multiple-choice theoretical questions (4 possible options, only one correct answer). This section aims to assess the student's understanding of theoretical concepts. Each correct answer is worth 2 points.

The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and is calculated as the sum of the points obtained in both the exercises and the theory questions.

The written test is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30. Students who choose not to take the oral exam will have their written test grade converted (or "contracted") according to the following scale, for scores between 18 and 26:

Written Score Final Grade:

18 --> 18

19 --> 19

20 --> 19

21 --> 20

22 --> 21

23 --> 21

24 --> 22

25 --> 23

26 --> 23

27 --> 24

28 --> 25

29 --> 25

30 --> 26

The optional oral exam must be taken in the same exam session as the written test.

Use of calculators is permitted during the written exam.

Instructions for Requests for Accommodations

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University Office in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will assess and, where appropriate, propose accommodations for the students concerned. These proposals must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will evaluate the suitability of the accommodations in light of the course's learning objectives.

 

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Alici