Physics 23 - Special Relativity and Quantum Physics

Einstein's special theory of relativity is developed from the premises that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames and that the speed of light is a constant. The relationship between mass and energy is explored and relativistic collisions analyzed. The families of elementary particles are described. The course concludes with an introduction to quantum mechanics that includes de Broglie waves and quantum interference. 2 credit hours.