Module MA4802-KP05

Theory of Relativity (RelaThKP05)


Duration

1 Semester

Turnus of offer

irregularly

Credit points

5

Course of studies, specific fields and terms:

  • Master CLS 2023, optional subject, mathematics
  • Bachelor CLS 2023, optional subject, mathematics
  • Master CLS 2016, optional subject, mathematics
  • Bachelor CLS 2016, optional subject, mathematics

Classes and lectures:

  • Theory of Relativity (lecture, 2 SWS)
  • Theory of Relativity (exercise, 1 SWS)

Workload:

  • 15 hours exam preparation
  • 60 hours private studies
  • 45 hours in-classroom work
  • 30 hours work on project

Contents of teaching:

  • Part A, Special Relativity:
  • Classical space time references system and Newton laws
  • Electrodynamics, Lorentz and Minkowsky geometry
  • Hyperbolic geometry und trigonometry
  • Time-like, space-like and light cone
  • Relativistic kinematics
  • Simultaneity and velocity addition
  • Length contraction and time dilatation
  • Twin paradox
  • Mass and energy relativistic
  • Part B, General Theory of Relativity:
  • Four-dimensional space time as a manifold
  • Christoffel symbols, curvature tensor, covariant derivative
  • Coupling of matter and fields with geometry by the Einstein equation
  • Equivalence principle for mass

Qualification-goals/Competencies:

  • Getting familiar with concepts and gaining competencies on special and general relativity
  • Extension of the mathematic and physical background for different applications to develop problem solving strategies
  • Getting familiar with Mathematica in the considered field
  • Developing competencies for self-sufficient problem solving of tasks on the theory of relativity
  • Gaining experience in project work in the field

Grading through:

  • exercises, project, oral or written exam

Responsible for this module:

Literature:

  • Baumann, G. : Mathematica for Theoretical Physics. Part 1: Classical Mechanics and Nonlinear Dynamics. Part 2: Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, General Relativity, and Fractals Springer 2005
  • Goenner, H. : Spezielle Relativitätstheorie und die klassische Feldtheorie Spectrum 2003
  • Gray A., Abbena, E. and Salomon, S. : Modern Differential Geometry of Surfaces with Mathematica. Studies in Advanced Mathematics Chapman and Hall 2006
  • Haken, H. und Wolf, H. Ch. : Atom- und Quantenphysik. Einführung in die experimentellen und theoretischen Grundlagen Springer 2003
  • Hawking, S. W. and Ellis, G. F. R. : The large scale structure of space-time Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics 1973, 2006
  • Helgason, S. : Differential Geometry, Lie Groups and Symmetric Spaces. Graduate Studies in Mathematics American Mathematical Society 1978, 2001
  • Kobayashi, S. and Nomizu, K. : Foundations of Differential Geometry I, II Interscience Publishers 1963
  • Schröder, U. E. : Gravitation. Einführung in die Allgemeine Relativitätstheorie Harri Deutsch 2007
  • Weber, H. J. und Arfen, G. B. : Essential Mathematical Methods for Physics Elsevier 2004
  • Weil, H. : Raum - Zeit - Materie. Vorlesungen über allgemeine Relativitätstheorie Springer 1923
  • Wald, R. M. : General Relativity The University of Chicago Press 1984

Language:

  • offered only in German

Notes:

Admission requirements for taking the module:
- None (The competencies of the modules listed under 'Requires' are needed for this module, but are not a formal prerequisite)

Admission requirements for participation in module examination(s):
- Successful completion of homework assignments as specified at the beginning of the semester

Module exam(s):
- MA4801-L1: Theory of Relativity, written exam (90 min) or oral exam (30 min), 100 % of module grade

Last Updated:

22.02.2022