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During the summer of 2007, Excitatory Topics in Physics was recorded especially for OpenCourseWare. Below are links to the videos, along with breakdowns of the video content.
Lecture 1 Video: (56k)|(220k)
Video lecture table
| SEG # |
SEGMENT TITLES |
SEGMENT TOPICS |
STARTS AT (HR:MIN:SEC) |
| 1 |
Introduction to Excitatory Topics in Physics |
Instructor Nick DiBella introduces himself and briefly discusses the course contents and format |
0:00:00 |
| 2 |
What is Physics? |
General definition of physics as a collection of laws that describe everything. Isaac Newton and classical mechanics. Max Planck and classical electromagnetism. "Ultraviolet catastrophe." Definition of energy |
0:06:00
|
| 3 |
Modern Physics
|
Major developments in physics during the 20th century, including quantum mechanics, special relativity, and general relativity |
0:23:33 |
| 4 |
Walking Through a Wall |
Quantum physics predicts that there is a chance that a person could walk through a wall; Nick tests this prediction, without success |
0:29:35 |
| 5 |
Special Relativity |
Definition of the two postulates of special relativity. Definition of an inertial observer |
0:36:52 |
| 6 |
Relativity Demonstration |
Simple demonstration of relativity of two people walking at different constant speeds. Invariance of the speed of light |
0:42:04 |
Lecture 2 Video: (56k)|(220k)
Video lecture table
| SEG # |
SEGMENT TITLES |
SEGMENT TOPICS |
STARTS AT (HR:MIN:SEC) |
| 1 |
Lecture 1 Review |
Quick review of material from first lecture. Definitions of two postulates of special relativity |
0:00:00 |
| 2 |
Addition of Velocities I |
Galilean addition of velocities, with equation. Relativity of speed for a train and rider system |
0:04:35 |
| 3 |
Addition of Velocities II |
Relativistic addition of velocities, with equation. Misuse of relativistic addition to "show" that 1+1<2 |
0:11:27 |
| 4 |
Simultaneity |
Explanation of relativity of simultaneity. Thought experiment of a rider with a flashlight on a moving train |
0:24:44 |
| 5 |
Time Dilation |
Explanation of relativity of time intervals. Definition of time dilation, with equation. Behavior of moving clocks. Derivation of equation for time dilation. Empirical confirmation of time dilation using the half-life of fast-moving particles |
0:36:00 |
| 6 |
Length Contraction |
Explanation of relativity of length. Definition of length contraction, with equation. Length of rod traveling at 60% of the speed of light |
0:58:02 |
| 7 |
Time and Space |
Contradiction of relativity and Newtonian mechanics. Amusing quotations relating to time and space. What is time? 'Twin paradox' presented |
1:07:46 |
Lecture 3 Video: (56k)|(220k)
Video lecture table
| SEG # |
SEGMENT TITLES |
SEGMENT TOPICS |
STARTS AT (HR:MIN:SEC) |
| 1 |
Special Relativity Review |
Brief summary of material covered in first two sessions, with focus on comparing relativistic properties to invariant properties |
0:00:00 |
| 2 |
Time Travel to the Future |
Method for traveling through time into the future as allowed by special relativity. Actual "time traveling" experienced by astronauts due to time dilation |
0:08:26 |
| 3 |
Time Travel to the Past |
Possibility of traveling through time into the past. Development of general relativity by Einstein. Equivalence principle, gravity, and acceleration |
0:34:13 |
| 4 |
Mass and Spacetime |
Curvature of spacetime due to mass and resulting effects. Gravitational time dilation. General relativity and motion. Movement of objects to extremize time |
0:43:26 |
| 5 |
Black Holes |
Definition of a black hole in terms of Newtonian mechanics and general relativity. Properties of black holes, including singularity, infinite curvature, infinite density. Evidence of the existence of black holes. |
0:51:24 |
| 6 |
Wormholes |
Prediction of wormholes by general relativity. Definition of a wormhole. Method for traveling through time into the past by combining wormholes and special relativity. |
1:03:40 |
Lecture 4 Video: (56k)|(220k)
Video lecture table
| SEG # |
SEGMENT TITLES |
SEGMENT TOPICS |
STARTS AT (HR:MIN:SEC) |
| 1 |
Review of relativity |
The strange possibilites special relativity opens up rehashed |
0:00:00 |
| 2 |
Wave/Particle Duality |
Ultraviolet paradox, Planck, photoelectric effect, double slit experiment, wave particle duality |
0:01:48 |
| 3 |
Basics of Quantum Mechanics |
Position, speed, superposition, eigenstates |
0:19:32 |
4 |
Schrodinger's Box |
Explanation of Schrodinger's famous thought experiment, intended to explain the ideas of superposition and collapse |
0:45:19 |
| 5 |
Quantum Tunnelling |
An interesting phenomena possible as the result of Quantum Mechanics |
0:59:16 |
Lecture 5 Video: (56k)|(220k)
Video lecture table
| SEG # |
SEGMENT TITLES |
SEGMENT TOPICS |
STARTS AT (HR:MIN:SEC) |
| 1 |
Parallel universes and the Big Bang Theory |
Explanation of parallel universes, Introduction to Big Bang Theory and the expanding universe, the observable universe |
0:00:00 |
| 2 |
Finite and Infinite Space |
Explanation of finite and infinite space and flat universe, discussion of 4th dimension and an infinite universe |
0:10:54 |
| 3 |
Infinite Universe |
Explanation of an infinite universe - particles in the universe analogy, copy of the observable universe, alternate futures, Level I Multiverse |
0:21:18 |
| 4 |
Level II Multiverse |
Discussion of Level II Multiverse, inflation, symmetry breaking, space and time dimensions, infinity. Explanation for one dimension of time and three dimensions of space. |
0:38:01 |
| 5 |
Level III and Level IV Multiverses |
Brief explanation of Level III Multiverse, discussion of Level IV Multiverse, laws of physics in a Level IV Multiverse, role of mathematics |
0:58:39 |
| 6 |
Conclusion |
Joke and conclusion |
1:13:31 |
