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Physics Seminar: Relativity

Imagine this: You can fit a 10 m pole in a barn half the size. Your twin is now 10 years older than you, but you didn't use a time machine. And no matter how fast you run, you can never reach the speed of light. How can you explain these scenarios? In this class, we use thought experiments like these and other tools to explore Einstein's theory of special relativity. We introduce Einstein's two postulates and explore the counterintuitive effects of time dilation, length contraction, and relativity of simultaneity. The class concludes with a look at spacetime diagrams and several challenging paradoxes of relativity.

6 hours
6 hours  

Schedule

Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs
Jun 22 - Jun 25 		7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Jun 22 - Jun 25
7:30 - 9:00 PM Eastern
6:30 - 8:00 PM Central
5:30 - 7:00 PM Mountain
4:30 - 6:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
Viktor Vladimirov Vasilev $155
$155
CLOSED
Sat & Sun
Apr 3 - Apr 4 		4:00 - 7:00
PM ET  –
Apr 3 - Apr 4
4:00 - 7:00 PM Eastern
3:00 - 6:00 PM Central
2:00 - 5:00 PM Mountain
1:00 - 4:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
Maria Mendes $155
$155
ENROLL

AoPS Holidays

There are no classes September 5 ‐ 7, November 23 ‐ 29, December 21 ‐ January 3, February 13 - 15, May 29 ‐ May 31, and July 3 - July 5, 2027.

Who Should Take?

This course is intended for students who have completed at least our Honors or Scholars Math 7: Introduction to Algebra (Part 1) or an equivalent first course in algebra. No advanced algebra techniques are used, but the experience of a second course in algebra equivalent to our Honors or Scholars Math 7: Introduction to Algebra (Part 2) will be useful in interpreting the mathematics used. The conceptual challenges of this course make it suitable for advanced students of any background as well. No prior background in physics or the theory of relativity is required.

Topics

1 The Principle of Relativity
2 The Speed of Light and Time Dilation
3 Length Contraction and Simultaneity
4 Paradoxes

This class dramatically enhanced my ability to solve Olympiad-level geometry problems, as well as my problem solving skills in general. The instruction was some of the best I've ever seen. Not only did the class explain the techniques for solving various problems, but it also gave the motivation for thinking of a particular technique for a problem. I can now complete problems that used to take me weeks to solve in a couple hours!