Cht 15-16 Relativity

In this unit you will be able to:

1. Discuss the implications of the phrase “space-time”.
2. State Einstein’s postulates of special relativity.
3. What does it mean that the speed of light is the same for all observers? Discuss the implications of this.
4. Describe the consequences of special relativity with regard to length, time, velocity and momentum.
5. Explain the rational for mass energy equivalence.
6. Use E=mc² to determine mass energy equivalence.
7. Describe real world applications of special relativity.
8. Discuss how the behavior of Muons in the earth’s atmosphere is a confirmation of special relativity.
9. State Einstein’s postulates of general relativity.
10. Explain the principle of equivalence.
11. Explain gravitational red shift.
12. Describe real world applications of general relativity.
13. Discuss whether the equations of Einstein and Newton have a smooth overlap or a sharp break.
14. Compare and contrast Einstein’s and Newton’s view of gravity. Discuss how they were verified in their day.