Relativistic and Classical Physics (2025/2026: periode 1)

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Cursusdoel

After completing this course students are able to:
  1. explain the fundamental principles and concepts in mechanics and describe how physicists explore, model, apply principles, and make testable predictions when they attempt to solve a concrete real physical problems.
  2. apply the laws of Newton and the concepts of velocity, acceleration, friction and power in order to solve a wide range of mechanical problems.
  3. use the concepts of mechanical energy, momentum, and angular momentum and their associated conservation principles to study collisions, and the movement of rigid bodies.
  4. explain why harmonic motions are observed in many systems in nature and solve problems involving damped and forced oscillations.
  5. induce Newton’s universal law of gravity from Kepler’s laws and apply it to study the movement of planets, moons and satellites.
  6. describe how Einstein's postulates of special relativity require a new understanding of space and time, and solve problems involving time dilation and space contraction.
  7. describe the differences between the classical and relativistic Doppler effect and law for adding relativistic velocities, and apply these in specific situations.
  8. explain why concepts such as energy and momentum have to be modified in special relativity, describe examples of the resulting equivalence between mass and energy, and study collisions and decay processes of particles.
Relationship between assessment and learning goals:
Description of assignment Weight Assesses which course aims?
Standard course format assessment
  • Quiz 1
  • Mid-term exam
  • Quiz 2
  • Final exam
10 %
40 %
10 %
40 %
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3, 4
6, 7
1, 5, 6, 7, 8

Vakinhoudelijk

Relativistic and Classical Physics offers an introduction to fundamental principles, concepts and problem solving methods in physics. This hinges in two main topics. One is classical mechanics with its bedrock concepts such as inertia, momentum and energy as well as its more diffuse concepts such as absolute space and absolute time. The other topic is Einstein’s special theory of relativity with its new view on space and time, paradoxes, and its role as a gateway to modern physics beyond mechanics.


This course is for students looking to broaden their knowledge in classical and relativistic mechanics physics, not only as a scientific discipline, but also as a source of knowledge and fundamental principles that are fundamental for a deeper understanding of how the world we live in works. In addition, in this course you are also introduced to advanced problem solving methods relevant for those students considering to pursue a physics-related career.

This course is required for those planning on joining the Double Degree in LAS and Physics offered by University College Utrecht and the Physics Department of UU.
Format
The course consists of two classes per week over 15 weeks. The first weekly class is an interactive lecture introducing, discussing and illustrating the theory, while the second one is a problem solving session. In preparation for the lecture students have to complete tutorials from the teaching and learning platform MasteringPhysics, while in preparation for the exercise session students has to attempt exercises from MasteringPhysics and the course exercise set. Outside the four class hours a week, students are expected to study 10 hours a week on average, reading the relevant sections of the textbook and lecture notes, solving exercises for class presentations or hand-in assignments and writing an essay.

IMPORTANT: You must be ready to use MasteringPhysics five days before the first class. If you buy 2nd hand, you MUST purchase an access code to MasteringPhysics from http://www.masteringphysics.com and register as a student and pay by credit card.

Werkvormen

UCU SCI 1 course

Toetsing

assessment

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

assessment

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

assessment

Verplicht | Weging 40% | ECTS 3

assessment

Verplicht | Weging 40% | ECTS 3

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er is geen informatie over verplichte ingangseisen bekend.

Voorkennis

Secondary school knowledge of physics and mathematics is required. For physics this requires an IB Higher Level Physics, VWO “Natuurkunde”, or similar courses in physics from a foreign secondary school. For mathematics this requires IB Higher Level Maths, Dutch VWO “Wiskunde B”, or similar “Calculus and Algebra” courses from a foreign secondary school. If one or both of these requirements is not satisfied the students should request course admittance.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    Hugh D. Young and Roger A. Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics, with Mastering Physics, 15th Global Edition. ISNB: 9781292314952* *this ISBN contains the specific course materials selected by your instructor at a premium discount.

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. F.M. Freire F.Freire@uu.nl

Docenten

prof. dr. A. van Blaaderen a.vanblaaderen@uu.nl
dr. F.M. Freire F.Freire@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

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