ASTRO 1106 Relativity, Cosmology, and Black Holes
Course description
Explanation of Einstein’s theory of Special Relativity, which brought about a fundamental change in our conceptual understanding of space and time. The consequences of the theory: the relativity of simultaneity; mass-energy equivalence, nuclear fission and fusion and thermonuclear processes in starts; why we can’t travel faster than the speed of light; and how it all makes sense, including the resolution of some apparent paradoxes. Cosmology, studying the evidence for the evolution and future of the universe, and the considerations and evidence driving our theories, including an introduction to General Relativity and investigation of Dark Matter and Dark Energy. The death of stars: white dwarfs, neutron stars and pulsars, and black holes.
Prerequisites
High school algebra and trigonometry.
Previous study in physics is recommended.
Summer 2024: Online course
| Section ID: | ASTRO 1106 001-LEC |
| Number: | 1057 |
| Session: | Summer 6-week |
| Class dates: | June 24-August 2, 2024 |
| Final exam/project due: | Tuesday August 06, 8:30 AM - 11 AM / Online (see Final exams) |
| Time / room: | M-F 10 AM - 11:15 AM / Online |
| Mode of instruction: | Online (async+sync) |
| Credit: | 3 |
| Grade: | Graded only |
| Instructor: | Brazier, A. (ab447) |
| Max. enroll: | 30 |
| Notes: | Instructor will work with students from different time zones. Students watch 2-3 recorded lectures every day, averaging 35-40 minutes of commitment, plus a 45-minute daily Zoom session. Students also asynchronously do 18 homeworks, 2 prelims and a final project. |
| Eligibility: |
Rising Juniors and Seniors See Eligibility. |
| To enroll: | This course is full. If you would like to be considered for a different class, please send an email to precollege@cornell.edu with the class number. You will want to first check that the class you want is not full before you write to us. See Dates & Deadlines. See Online Learning FAQs. This course is open to all registrants, including undergraduates and precollege students. |
| Tuition & fees: | See Tuition for Online Courses |