Unit IX: Relativity
Introduction
General Instructional Objectives (and corresponding Specific Learning Outcomes) | Unit Content |
Knows terms
Understands the meaning of terms |
simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, reference frame, space-time, mass-energy equivalence, gravitational red shift, geodesic |
Understands scientific concepts | Postulated of the special theory of relativity, length contraction, mass-energy equivalence, principle of equivalence |
Knows all laboratory procedures
Prepares a plan for an experiment Participates in classroom activities Respects the scientific process Displays a scientific attitude Demonstrates skills in laboratory work |
All content |
Instructional Foci
Underlying Einstein’s general theory of relativity is the idea that gravity and acceleration cannot be distinguished from one another. Topics such as the principle of equivalence and the bending of light by gravity should be discussed. The gravitational red shift basically says that the stronger a gravitational field, the slower a clock runs. Therefore, a clock a the surface of the earth runs slower than a clock at the surface of the moon. Gravity and space should then be discussed. To conclude, a comparison of Newtonian and Einsteinian gravitation should be discussed.