Art of Problem Solving
AoPS Online AoPS Online
Math texts, online classes, and more
for students in grades 5-12.
Visit AoPS Online ‚
Books for Grades 5-12 Online Courses
Beast Academy Beast Academy
Engaging math books and online learning
for students ages 6-13.
Visit Beast Academy ‚
Books for Ages 6-13 Beast Academy Online
AoPS Academy AoPS Academy
Small live classes for advanced math
and language arts learners in grades 2-12.
Visit AoPS Academy ‚
Find a Physical Campus Visit the Virtual Campus

New classes are starting soon - secure your spot today!
How Classes Work
Course Catalog
Recommendations
Subject Courses
Before Prealgebra Ready for Prealgebra After Prealgebra Some Algebra 1 After Algebra 1 After Geometry After Algebra 2 After Precalculus Beyond Calculus
Contest Preparation
MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 AMC 10 AMC 12 AIME USAMO
Computer Programming
Little or No Experience Some Experience Extensive Experience
Science Courses
Little or No Experience Some Experience Extensive Experience
Prospective Students & Parents
Math Jams
Need Help?

Need help finding the right class? Have a question about how classes work?

Click here to Ask AoPS!

Physics Seminar: Relativity

Imagine this: You can fit a 10 m pole in a barn half the size. Your twin is now 10 years older than you, but you didn't use a time machine. And no matter how fast you run, you can never reach the speed of light. How can you explain these scenarios? We will use thought experiments like these and other tools to explore Einstein's theory of special relativity. We introduce Einstein's two postulates and explore the counterintuitive effects of time dilation, length contraction, and relativity of simultaneity. The class concludes with a look at spacetime diagrams and several challenging paradoxes of relativity.

2 days
2 days  

Schedule



There are no classes currently scheduled.

Please sign up for our mailing list to be notified of new class offerings.

Join Mailing List

Who Should Take?

This course is for students interested in the basics of the mind-bending theory of special relativity. This course does not assume any physics knowledge and is intended for students interested in learning about a conceptually challenging theory of space and time. Students should have a basic competency with algebra before taking this course. We recommend having taken Introduction to Algebra A at AoPS or having the equivalent knowledge.

Lessons

Lesson 1 Principle of Relativity, Speed of Light, and Time Dilation
Lesson 2 Length Contraction, Simultaneity, and Paradoxes

As someone who is a first-time olympiad taker, WOOT was very helpful. I was introduced to using general techniques like induction, which was very helpful to me. I have also learned subject-specific methods for solving problems, such as, for instance, the nine-point circle. The practice olympiads and AIMEs were very helpful, especially the olympiad, where I got to try solve original olympiad problems that I didn't see a few months ago on the forums. The feedback was also very helpful, giving me advice on how to present my solutions and word my arguments. Overall, I am very impressed with WOOT. I will definitely be taking it in future years to broaden my mathematical knowledge and improve my problem solving skills. Thank you all for the wonderful experience!