Option H: Relativity
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[edit] H1 Introduction to relativity
Frames of reference
H.1.1 Describe what is meant by a frame of reference.
H.1.2 Describe what is meant by a Galilean transformation.
H.1.3 Solve problems involving relative velocities using the Galilean transformation equations.
[edit] H2 Concepts and postulates of special relativity
H.2.1 Describe what is meant by an inertial frame of reference.
H.2.2 State the two postulates of the special theory of relativity.
H.2.3 Discuss the concept of simultaneity.
[edit] H3 Relativistic kinematics
Time dilation
H.3.1 Describe the concept of a light clock.
H.3.2 Define proper time interval.
H.3.3 Derive the time dilation formula.
H.3.4 Sketch and annotate a graph showing the variation with relative velocity of the Lorentz factor.
H.3.5 Solve problems involving time dilation.
Length contraction
H.3.6 Define proper length.
H.3.7 Describe the phenomenon of length contraction.
H.3.8 Solve problems involving length contraction.
[edit] H4 Some consequences of special relativity
The twin paradox
H.4.1 Describe how the concept of time dilation leads to the “twin paradox”.
H.4.2 Discuss the Hafele–Keating experiment.
Velocity addition
H.4.3 Solve one-dimensional problems involving the relativistic addition of velocities.
Mass and energy
H.4.4 State the formula representing the equivalence of mass and energy.
H.4.5 Define rest mass.
H.4.6 Distinguish between the energy of a body at rest and its total energy when moving.
H.4.7 Explain why no object can ever attain the speed of light in a vacuum.
H.4.8 Determine the total energy of an accelerated particle.
[edit] H5 Evidence to support special relativity
H.5.1 Discuss muon decay as experimental evidence to support special relativity.
H.5.2 Solve problems involving the muon decay experiment.
H.5.3 Outline the Michelson–Morley experiment.
H.5.4 Discuss the result of the Michelson–Morley experiment and its implication.
H.5.5 Outline an experiment that indicates that the speed of light in vacuum is independent of its source.
[edit] H6 Relativistic momentum and energy
H.6.1 Apply the relation for the relativistic momentum p=γm_0 u of particles.
H.6.2 Apply the formula E_k=(γ-1) m_0 c^2 for the kinetic energy of a particle.
H.6.3 Solve problems involving relativistic momentum and energy.
[edit] H7 General relativity
The equivalence principle
H.7.1 Explain the difference between the terms gravitational mass and inertial mass.
H.7.2 Describe and discuss Einstein’s principle of equivalence.
H.7.3 Deduce that the principle of equivalence predicts bending of light rays in a gravitational field.
H.7.4 Deduce that the principle of equivalence predicts that time slows down near a massive body.
Spacetime
H.7.5 Describe the concept of spacetime.
H.7.6 State that moving objects follow the shortest path between two points in spacetime.
H.7.7 Explain gravitational attraction in terms of the warping of spacetime by matter.
Black holes
H.7.8 Describe black holes.
H.7.9 Define the term Schwarzschild radius.
H.7.10 Calculate the Schwarzschild radius.
H.7.11 Solve problems involving time dilation close to a black hole.
Gravitational red-shift
H.7.12 Describe the concept of gravitational red‑shift.
H.7.13 Solve problems involving frequency shifts between different points in a uniform gravitational field.
H.7.14 Solve problems using the gravitational time dilation formula.
[edit] H8 Evidence to support general relativity
H.8.1 Outline an experiment for the bending of EM waves by a massive object.
H.8.2 Describe gravitational lensing.
H.8.3 Outline an experiment that provides evidence for gravitational red-shift.
