Read and discuss time dilation and length contraction involved with space and time. Contraction involves when an object moves at a very high speed relative to an observer its measured length in the direction of motion is contracted. Discuss how the contraction is related to normal speed and relativistic speed. Show that as the velocity of the moving object increases toward the speed of light, the length of the object contracts by an amount determined using the specific formula
Discuss how an observer on the ground will show show a different aging process than his twin traveling through the galaxy. Introduce the number of months older the observer will be compared to the traveler upon landing.
Compare the aging difference to 50% of light speed, 87% of light speed, and 99.5% of light speed. Consider what occurs when a space vehicle is hovering at rest and what the difference becomes when motion is involved. Indicate that the speed of light remains constant regardless of motion.
Discuss space-time dilation as stretching of time. Use image to show reflection of light pulse in distance/time as the source moves. Define and discuss the Lorentz formula used to determine time dilation.
Introduce and discuss that all motion is relative, ,and must include a reference frame. Determine that objects may have different velocities relative to different reference frames. Indicate that the speed of light postulate states that the speed does not change. Discuss that motion through space is related to motion in time. Einstein postulated that both space and time only exists within the universe. Space and time are the parts of the space-time continuum. If you stand still, you move through time, if you move a little you move through some space but mostly time. If you move at the speed of light, all travel is through space only. Introduce the time dilation as a "stretch of time".
Introduce how motion is relative and requires a reference frame. Discuss how an object may have different velocities relative to different frames of reference. Define and discuss how and why the speed of light does not change. Introduce Einstein's theory of relativity, and discuss his postulate that both space and time only exist within the universe. When you stand still, you travel through time, it you move, you travel a little through space but still mostly through time. If you travel at the speed or light, all travel is through space.
Discuss " what is nuclear fusion". Define how fusion is the process by which two light nuclei combine to form a single heavier one, while releasing massive amounts of energy. Discuss how fusion takes place in a state of matter called plasma. Explain how this reaction takes place in the sun, and requires high temperature and gravity within a small space. Extreme pressure is a requirement. Discuss deuterium and tritium as the nuclei which fuse. Present a nuclear fusion equation. Discuss differences between fission and fusion and their operational conditions. Introduce and determine the mass difference which occurs when fusion happens, and the amount of energy given off.
Discuss what is nuclear fusion . Outline the process as fusion between 2 light nuclei (hydrogen) to form a heavier nuclei (helium) while releasing massive amounts of energy. Define and explain :"plasma". Discuss how the fusion occurs in the Sun. View fusion reaction images and compare to fission. Discuss heat and pressure requirements needed for hydrogen to fuse, along with extreme gravity within the Sun. Outline the fusion reaction formula, the mass balance, the mass deficit, the energy formula, and the energy gain per nucleon. Discuss advantages to use of fusion power in electric production
Session Minutes
90
Minutes Student Attended
90
Lesson Comments
Ben is very knowledge in this area. He picked up a great deal of information from his Father
Discuss why mass energy equivalence is a key to understanding how energy is related in nuclear reactions.
Introduce the concept of rest energy as potential energy. Discuss how energy is released as mass is depleted. Review and discuss Einstein's equation relating mass deficit to energy, how mass and energy are two sided of the same "physics coin". Present examples of rest energy being converted into different forms. Discuss that work, the product of force x distance involves a transfer of energy
