Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology
Course Overview: https://youtu.be/xyF-MmGNxd0 The 20th century was known as the century of physics. In the past 120 years, concepts such as space, time, energy, entropy and particles were understood to much deeper levels. New paradigms of thinking such as relativity and quantum mechanics emerged. This course is the first course in the Understanding Modern Physics series, which covers an introduction to special relativity, general relativity and cosmology.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 12 hours
- Course by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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Offered by
About
Course Overview: https://youtu.be/xyF-MmGNxd0 The 20th century was known as the century of physics. In the past 120 years, concepts such as space, time, energy, entropy and particles were understood to much deeper levels. New paradigms of thinking such as relativity and quantum mechanics emerged. This course is the first course in the Understanding Modern Physics series, which covers an introduction to special relativity, general relativity and cosmology. We will find: (i) How space and time are relative to observers, and unified into a more fundamental construction of spacetime; (ii) Why the spacetime is not absolute, but rather curves in response to matter, and how gravity emerge as a result of such spacetime curvature; and (iii) What is the framework to understand the evolution of the whole universe, and how that is related to problems such as the origin of space and matter, and the fate of our universe. Note: the videos with a (*) are optional. They provide complementary information but not in the learning objective or assignment questions. Feel free to choose to watch them or not.Modules
Introduction
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Introduction
Principles
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Principles of Relativity
- Speed of Light
- Postulates
Time Dilation
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5
Videos
5
Videos
- Light Clock
- Time Dilation
- 4-Step Reasoning
- Twin Paradox
- Physical Picture
Additional Comments about Light
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Interferometers (* optional video)
- Ether (* optional video)
- Speed of Light from Maxwell (* optional video)
- Units (* optional video)
Weekly Summary
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Weekly Summary
Weekly Assignments: Modern Physics I, Quiz 1
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- I - 1
Introduction
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Introduction
Length Contraction
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Length Contraction
- Length in 4-Step Reasoning (* optional video)
- Velocity Addition: First Look (* optional video)
- Terrell Rotation (* optional video)
Meaning of the “Same Time”
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7
Videos
7
Videos
- Device for "Same Time"
- Spacetime Diagram
- Relativity of Same Time
- Twin Paradox Revisited (* optional video)
- Causality
- No Perfect Rigid Body
- Ladder Paradox
Lorentz Transform
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Lorentz Transform, Space Part
- Lorentz Transform, Time Part
- Effects From Lorentz Transform
- Velocity Addition
Summary
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Summary
Weekly Assignments: Modern Physics I, Quiz 2
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- I - 2
Introduction
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Introduction
Geometry
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Geometry
- Lorentzian and Euclidean
- Invariant Interval
Energy and Momentum
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6
Videos
6
Videos
- Conserved Quantities
- Newtonian Momentum
- Momentum
- Kinetic Energy
- Mass Conservation?
- Energy
Space and Time Unified
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- 4D Vectors
- Doppler Effect (* optional video)
- Spacetime Metric (* optional video)
- Natural Units (* optional video)
Summary
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Summary
Weekly Assignments: Modern Physics I, Quiz 3
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- I - 3
Introduction
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Introduction
Equivalence Principle
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Why gravity is related to inertia?
- Equivalence Principle
Consequences of Equivalence Principle
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Time Dilation
- Schwarzschild Metric
- Light Bending
- Gravitational Lensing
Black Holes and Gravitational Waves
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Black Holes
- Journey of Falling in
- Are Black Holes Black?
- Gravitational Waves
Summary
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Summary
Weekly Assignments: Modern Physics I, Quiz 4
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- I - 4
Introduction
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2
Videos
2
Videos
- Olber's Paradox
- The Observable Universe
The Cosmological Principle
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Cosmological Principle
Laws of the Universe
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Friedmann Equation
- Hubble Law
- Continuity Equation
- Matter Content
Origins and Summary
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Origins and Summary
Weekly Assignments: Modern Physics I, Quiz 5
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- I - 5
Auto Summary
Embark on a fascinating journey through the pivotal concepts that defined 20th-century physics with "Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology." This foundational course, offered by Coursera, delves into the profound realms of special relativity, general relativity, and cosmology. Guided by expert instruction, you will explore how space and time are interwoven into the fabric of spacetime, understand the curvature of spacetime and its relationship with gravity, and gain insights into the expansive framework that explains the evolution of the universe. Over the span of 720 minutes, you will uncover the relative nature of space and time, the emergence of gravity from spacetime curvature, and the fundamental principles that shape our understanding of the cosmos. Optional supplementary videos are available to enrich your learning experience without impacting your core assignments. This engaging course is perfect for learners interested in deepening their understanding of modern physics, whether for academic growth or personal curiosity. Subscription options include Starter and Professional plans, ensuring flexible access to suit your learning needs. Join us in exploring the profound and captivating universe of modern physics.
Yi Wang