Relativistic Mechanics

Paper Code: 
MAT325A
Credits: 
5
Contact Hours: 
75.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to –

  1. Acquaint them with mechanical systems under generalized coordinate systems.
  2. Understand Virtual work, energy and momentum. 
  3. Make them aware about the mechanics developed by Newton, Lagrange's, Hamilton spaces.

 

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment

Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAT 325A

 

 

 

 

 

Relativistic Mechanics

   (Theory)

 

 

 

 

The students will be able to –

 

CO116: Give coherent explanations of the principles associated with: special relativity, general relativity and cosmology.

CO117: Interpret observational data in terms of the Standard Model of the evolution of the universe.

CO118: Describe experiments and observational evidence to test the general theory of relativity, explain how these support the general theory and can be used to criticise and rule-out alternative possibilities.

CO119: Apply tensors to the description of curved spaces

CO120: Solve problems by applying the principles of relativity.

CO121: Explain the Relative character of space and time, Principle of relativity and its postulates also able to derive the special Lorentz transformation equations.

Approach in teaching:

 

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Power Point Presentations, Informative videos

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self learning assignments, Effective questions, presentations, Field trips

Quiz, Poster Presentations,

Power Point Presentations, Individual and group projects,

Open Book Test, Semester End Examination

 

 

 

 

Unit I: 
I
15.00

Relative character of space and time, Principle of relativity and its postulates, Derivation of special Lorentz transformation equations, Composition of parallel velocities, Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction formula.

Unit II: 
II
15.00

Time dilation, Simultaneity, Relativistic transformation formulae for velocity, Lorentz contraction factor, Particle acceleration, Velocity of light as fundamental velocity.

Unit III: 
III
15.00

Relativistic aberration and its deduction to Newtonian theory. Variation of mass with velocity, Equivalence of mass and energy, Transformation formulae for mass, Momentum and energy, Problems on conservation of mass, Momentum and energy.

Unit IV: 
IV
15.00

Problems on conservation of mass, Momentum and energy, Relativistic Lagrangian and Hamiltonian, Minkowski space, Space-like, Time-like and light-like intervals.

Unit V: 
V
15.00

Null cone, Relativity and causality, Proper time, World line of a particle, Principles of equivalence and general covariance.

Essential Readings: 
  • Bernard F. Schutz, A First Course in General Relativity, Cambridge University Press, 2010.
  • Sushil Kumar Srivastava, General Relativity and Cosmology, Prentice hall India, 2008.
  • Raj Bali, General Relativity, Jaipur Publishing House, 2005. 
  • David Agmon and Paul Gluck, Classical and Relativistic Mechanics, 2009.
  • Jayant V. Narlikar, An Introduction to Relativity, Cambridge University Press, 2010.
References: 
  • Robert J. A. Lambourne, Relativity, Gravitation, and Cosmology, Cambridge University Press, 2010.
  • J.L. Synge, Relativity the General Theory, North Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1971.
  • A.S. Eddention, The Mathematical Theory of Relativity, Cambridge University Press, 2010.
  • S. Aranoff, Equilibrium in Special Relativity: The Special Theory, North Holland Publication. Amsterdam, 1965.
 
Academic Year: 
2023-2024
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