1. Space, Time, Matter, & Energy

Joshua Barnes -- Fall 1999

The first week of this course is an introduction to some of the things we find in the Universe -- atoms, light, planets, stars, and galaxies. These lectures also describe a useful way of comparing the sizes, ages, and masses of different astronomical objects.

Topics:

• Linear & geometric scales
• Scientific notation (see App. A)
• The size of the Universe (see Intro)
• Cosmic time
• Atomic structure (see Ch. 4-1)
• Light & radiation (see Ch. 3-1)

Video: Powers of Ten

Web Resources:

• Scientific Notation

  A brief primer on scientific notation, and an on-line test you can take to check your understanding.

• Just What is a Logarithm, Anyway?

  A readable explanation of linear and geometric scales (also known as logarithmic scales) as well as an introduction to logarithms. (Note: available as a PDF file only.)

Homework 1: The Sun & You, due 8/30. Answer.

Quiz 1: An Alien Clue?