This course provides a thorough introduction to the principles and methods of physics for students who have good preparation in physics and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and quantitative reasoning. This course covers Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, gravitation, thermodynamics, and waves. For more information about Professor Shankar's book based on the lectures from this course, Fundamentals of Physics: Mechanics, Relativity, and Thermodynamics, visit http://bit.ly/1jFIqNu.
Curated by: YaleCourses (24 videos)
For more information about Professor Shankar's book based on the lectures from this course, Fundamentals of Physics: Mechanics, Relativity, and Thermodynamics, visit http://bit.ly/1jFIqNu. Fundamentals of Physics (PHYS 200) The four-vector is introduced that unifies space-time coordinates x, y, z and t into a single entity whose components get mixed up under Lorentz transformations. The length of this four-vector, called the space-time interval, is shown to be invariant (the same for all observers). Likewise energy and momentum are unified into the energy-momentum four-vector. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Recap—Consequences of the Lorentz Transformations 06:25 - Chapter 2. Causality Paradoxes: "Killing the Grandmother" 15:22 - Chapter 3. A New Understanding of Space-Time 25:51 - Chapter 4. Introducing the Fourth Dimension and Four-Vector Algebra 44:09 - Chapter 5. The Space-Time Interval, or "Proper Time" 51:47 - Chapter 6. Deriving the Velocity and Momentum Vectors in Space-Time 01:04:40 - Chapter 7. The New Energy-Mass Relation This course was recorded in Fall 2006.