PHY 265 Space, Time and the Theory of Relativity
An introduction to the Newtonian and relativistic theories of space and time. Topics include Newton’s laws, reference frames, energy and momentum, experimental evidence for the constancy of the speed of light, special relativity and apparent paradoxes, and a qualitative discussion of the general theory of relativity. Special emphasis will be placed on philosophical assumptions in physics and alternate viewpoints not usually encountered in the physics context.
Prerequisite
Basic skills in mathematics.