PHYS 1203 - Physics of the Heavens and the Earth

(PBS)

Spring. 3 credits.

Prerequisite: none; uses high school algebra and geometry. For nonscience majors.

H. Padamsee.

Shows how the unification of apparently distinct areas of physics leads to an explosion in the growth of our knowledge and understanding. The material is divided into three parts: the physics of motion on earth, motion in the heavens, and synthesis. Trace how ideas about celestial and terrestrial motion evolved separately at first, from the ancient ideas of Greek philosophers to the dynamics and telescopic discoveries of Galileo during the Renaissance. The two arenas finally melded under Newton’s Universal Gravitation. Einstein’s special and general theories of relativity eventually supplanted Newton’s ideas. There is an emphasis throughout on “how do we know the laws?” These are the stories of breakthrough discoveries and brilliant insights made by fascinating people, offering a humanistic perspective.