Lesson 1: The Special Theory of Relativity
Overview:
In this lesson you will be introduced to some modern developments in physics and how it can change your understanding of the world around you!
Curriculum Expectations:
Overall Expectations:
F2. Investigate special relativity and quantum mechanics, and solve related problems.
F3. Demonstrate an understanding of the evidence that supports the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of special relativity.
Specific Expectations:
F1.1 Analyze the development of the two major revolutions in modern physics (e.g., the impact of the discovery of the photoelectric effect on the development of quantum mechanics; the impact of thought experiments on the development of the theory of relativity), and assess how they changed scientific thought.
F2.1 Use appropriate terminology related to quantum mechanics and special relativity, including, but not limited to: quantum theory, photoelectric effect, matter waves, time dilation, and mass–energy transformation.
F2.4 Conduct a laboratory inquiry or computer simulation to analyse data (e.g., on emission spectra, the photoelectric effect, relativistic momentum in accelerators) that support a scientific theory related to relativity or quantum mechanics.
F3.3 Identify Einstein’s two postulates for the theory of special relativity, and describe the evidence supporting the theory (e.g., thought experiments, half lives of elementary particles, relativistic momentum in accelerators, the conversion of matter into energy in a nuclear power plant).
F2. Investigate special relativity and quantum mechanics, and solve related problems.
F3. Demonstrate an understanding of the evidence that supports the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of special relativity.
Specific Expectations:
F1.1 Analyze the development of the two major revolutions in modern physics (e.g., the impact of the discovery of the photoelectric effect on the development of quantum mechanics; the impact of thought experiments on the development of the theory of relativity), and assess how they changed scientific thought.
F2.1 Use appropriate terminology related to quantum mechanics and special relativity, including, but not limited to: quantum theory, photoelectric effect, matter waves, time dilation, and mass–energy transformation.
F2.4 Conduct a laboratory inquiry or computer simulation to analyse data (e.g., on emission spectra, the photoelectric effect, relativistic momentum in accelerators) that support a scientific theory related to relativity or quantum mechanics.
F3.3 Identify Einstein’s two postulates for the theory of special relativity, and describe the evidence supporting the theory (e.g., thought experiments, half lives of elementary particles, relativistic momentum in accelerators, the conversion of matter into energy in a nuclear power plant).
Success Criteria:
- Compare the effect on a billiard ball while inside a constant velocity train versus an accelerating train.
- Describe a frame of reference.
- Consider the properties of inertial and non-inertial frames of reference. (i) How does an inertial frame of reference differ from a non-inertial frame of reference. (ii) Give two examples of each type of frame.
- Earth is a non-inertial reference frame due to what three factors? What do we need to assume so that we can use Earth as an inertial frame of reference?
- Maxwell assumed a material called ether. Describe its properties and what it means in relation to Electromagnetic Waves.
- Explain what a thought experiment is.
- Describe the two postulates of the special theory of relativity. What conclusion results from the combination of Einstein's two postulates?
- State the basis for the special theory of relativity.
Time Allocation: 1 hour
Learning Activities:
Read pages 574 - 578 from Nelson 11.1.
In the playlist below, video:
- How Einstein (& others) discovered Special Relativity.
- What if you thought the earth was flat? And then you found out it isn't?
Task:
Solve questions 3, 4, and 10 from Nelson 11.1 Review on page 579.
Reflect:
You are travelling in a spacecraft without windows. You are also far from any planets or stars. Describe an experiment that you could perform to determine whether you are in an inertial or a non-inertial frame of reference.
