8.20
Introduction to Special Relativity
John Negele
Mon-Fri, Jan 9-13, 17-20, 23-27, 30-3, 10:30am-12:00pm, 4-370
Pre-register on WebSIS and attend first class.
Listeners allowed, space permitting
Prereq: 8.01, 18.01
Level: U 9 units Standard A - F Grading
Introduces the basic ideas and equations of Einstein's special theory of relativity. Topics include Lorentz transformations, length contraction and time dilation, four vectors, Lorentz invariants, relativistic energy and momentum, relativistic kinematics, Doppler shift, space-time diagrams, relativity paradoxes, and some concepts of general relativity. Subject intended for freshman and sophomore levels. Not usable as a restricted elective by Physics majors. Credit cannot be received for 8.20 if credit for 8.033 is or has been received in the same or prior terms.
Optional recitation sections:
- R01 Mondays/Wednesdays 3-4pm in 3-442
- R02 Tuesdays/Thursdays 3-4pm in 3-442
Web: http://mit.edu/8.20/
Contact: John Negele, NE25-4079, 253-7077, negele@lns.mit.edu
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8.298
Selected Topics in Physics
Lies and Damn Lies: The Art of Approximation in Science
Sanjoy Mahajan
Mon, Wed, Fri, Jan 9, 11, 13, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30, 1, 3, 02-03:00pm, 2-139, Recitation W 3pm in 1-135
Pre-register on WebSIS and attend first class.
Listeners allowed, space permitting
Prereq: Permission of instructor Freshman physics
Level: U 3 units Standard A - F Grading Can be repeated for credit
Presentation of topics of current interest, with content varying from year to year.
How far can birds (and 747s) fly without eating? Why are raindrops a few millimeters in radius? How high can animals jump? How tall can mountains grow? How cold is the air at the top of Mt Everest? How hot is the interior of the sun? How much energy do gravitational waves carry? How fast do tsunamis travel? Even when these questions have exact answers, they are buried in the solution of complicated, often nonlinear differential equations. But by skillful lying -- the art of approximation -- you can understand these and other phenomena, and can enjoy the physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering of the world around you.
Web: http://www.inference.phy.cam.ac.uk/sanjoy/mit/
Contact: Sanjoy Mahajan, 8-403, 253-7732, sanjoy@mit.edu
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