Universität Wien

260113 VO Time and Clocks (2019W)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 26 - Physik
Moodle

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 07.10. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien (Kickoff Class)
  • Monday 14.10. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 21.10. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 28.10. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 04.11. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 11.11. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 18.11. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 25.11. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 02.12. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 09.12. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 16.12. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 13.01. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 20.01. 13:30 - 15:00 Lise-Meitner-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1. Stk., 1090 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

We will learn about the physical principles of clocks and time-keeping, starting from long ago but concentrating on the present. Along the way we will address many issues, such as: How do you quantify the accuracy of a clock? How do you tell time with an atomic clock? How is “official” time managed? What is a leap second? How does relativity affect clocks? What limits the performance of clocks based on sundials, pendulums, quartz crystals, and atomic transitions?

Assessment and permitted materials

Due to the Corona virus situation, the exams will now be oral exams given by video, using the Big Blue Button of Moodle. Some hints on how to prepare for the oral exam will be distributed at least two weeks before the first scheduled oral exam.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

An exam score of at least 50% is necessary to receive a passing grade.

Examination topics

The student should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the physics associated with clocks, including: sundials, pendulum clocks, quartz clocks, atomic clocks. The student should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the systems of time used in the world today and the definition of time standards. The student should understand principles of clock accuracy, precision, and statistics. The student should understand some very basic principles of time with regard to special and general relativity. All of this material will be addressed in the lectures.

Reading list

There is no textbook for the course, but suggestions for reading and references will be given. Lecture slides and notes -- but not complete transcripts -- will be provided online (probably via Moodle) during the semester.

Association in the course directory

ERGB, ERG 3

Last modified: Tu 14.11.2023 00:23