PHYS8770 · Physics
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
This course explores the geometric nature of fundamental classical physics. We aim to strike a balance between physical observations and mathematical sophistication. Topics covered will include how the spacetime coordinates of Special Relativity reveal that electromagnetic fields are not vectors but rather components of a 2-form. In General Relativity we cover the non-uniqueness of solutions to Einsteins vacuum field equations, which include amongst others the Schwarzchild and Kerr metrics whose geodesics generalize Newtonian gravitational orbits. We also cover non-vacuum solutions such as FLRW metrics of the co-moving coordinates of big-bang cosmology and their relationships with astronomical observations.
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Fall 2024
1 section