Relativistic Mechanics

Paper Code: 
24MAT325(A)
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: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment

Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 24MAT

325(A)

 

Relativistic Mechanics

   (Theory)

 

 

 

 

CO119: Explain the Relative character of space and time, principle of relativity and its postulates, also able to derive the special Lorentz transformation equations.

CO120:  Understand the concept of time dilation, Describe experiments and observational evidence to test the general theory of relativity, apply the transformation formula for velocity and acceleration.

CO121: Apply the transformation formula for mass, momentum and energy tensors to the description of curved spaces.

CO122: Differentiate between Minkowski space, space-like, Time-like and light-like intervals.

CO123: Solve problems by applying the principles of relativity, equivalence and general covariance.

CO124: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction.

 

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Informative videos

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self learning assignments, Effective questions,  Topic  presentation, Assigned tasks

 

 

Quiz, Class Test, Individual projects,

Open Book Test, Continuous Assessment, Semester End Examination

 

 

 

Unit I: 
Lorentz transformation and properties:
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: 
Time dilation and related properties:
15.00

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

 

Unit III: 
Variations and Transformation:
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: 
Conservation and Spaces:
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: 
Definition and Properties:
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.

 

SUGGESTED READING

 

  • Robert J. A. Lambourne, Relativity, Gravitationand 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.

 

e- RESOURCES

 

 

JOURNALS

 

 

Academic Year: 
2024-2025
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