A. Questions for Submission

1.1 Frames of reference

A definition is called `operational' if it is expressed entirely in terms of measurement operations. Discuss the sense in which the definition of a reference frame is operational. Why might Einstein have been interested in operational definitions?

1.2 The light postulate

Einstein argued that the speed of light is measured to be the same in every reference frame—even for someone `chasing' a light beam at close to the speed of light. Why did he say this? (Hint: see the third video for this week's course material.)

1.3 Principle of relativity

Using your own experiences, give an explanation of why the principle of relativity appears to be true.

 

B. Optional questions for further discussion

The following questions are not for submission, but just some things to think about on your own or in class discussion.

You're going to learn about some pretty shocking discoveries in this course. But how can you tell when a shocking discovery is legitimate, and when it is phoney? Consider the following. What is your first reaction to them? How would you test them?

• Many distant astronomical events (such as the location of Venus in the zodiac) can have an immediate impact on human well-being.
• It is possible to create an engine that runs on only water for fuel.
• All material, energy and forces are composed of microscopic particles that can only be indirectly detected.
• All of space is filled with an invisible fluid that cannot be detected by any local human experiences, but which has a detectable impact on cosmic scales.
• All of space is filled with Kraft cherry-flavour Jell-O, which cannot be detected by any local human experiences.
• It is possible for some people to read the minds of other people.
• There are planets outside of our solar system.
• There are life-hosting planets outside of our solar system.
• There are intelligent life-hosting planets outside of our solar system.
• There is a near-perfect copy of Earth somewhere outside of our solar system.
• The unidentified flying objects (UFOs) of the 20th century were often navigated by intelligent beings from planets outside our solar system.
• Some humans can perceive empirical information about the natural world without using any of the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste).
• Body malfunction and disease is caused by imbalance in spinal "energy" and "subluxations" that can be corrected through spinal therapy carried out by chiropractors.
• It is possible to travel to other parts of the universe through wormholes associated with black holes.
• It is possible to travel back to a moment that you have already experienced in your past.
• The universe is constantly splitting into billions of parallel universes.