Physics 107 Lectures: lecture 17 goals and outline

LECTURE 17
goals and outline

lecture title

The Two Postulates of Special Relativity: Einstein

text pages

Ch 9, pp 101-106 and 109-110. P. 106, How to Use the Postulates of Relativity, is optional. The section An Unbreakable Speed Limit fits best here.

lecture goals

To get a start on learning about Einstien and paying homage to him by learning some of his new physics concepts.
To understand the two possible motivations for Einstein's second postulate of relativity.
To understand the meaning of postulate and how one sets about testing the implications of a postulate.
To see that nothing travels faster than light in vacuum.
To see that the hard catch/soft catch rules of classical Galilean old relativity no longer hold in Einstein's new relativity.

outline of lecture

1. Einstein's Life
2. The Two Postulates and Why
3. Four Warnings
4. Two Immediate Implications

quote

A human being is part of the whole, called by us ``Universe;'' a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest---a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening the whole circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature of its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely but the striving for such achievement is, in itself, a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security.

-- Albert Einstein

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Please email any questions, comments, or suggestions to Professor Bernice Durand, bdurand@theory3.physics.wisc.edu.
Revised October 8, 1997.

Content © 1997, Bernice Durand
Images and layout © 1997, Shane Hamilton