PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Modified Strategic Intervention

Material

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Author: Jayson V. Balagtas, Immanuel L. Maglasang

Cover Art Illustrator: Erich D. Garcia
Reviewer and Editor: Paz I. Canlas
Layout Artist Charmie Ann G. San Juan

MANAGEMENT TEAM
Zenia G. Mostoles EdD, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent
Celia R. Lacanlale PhD, Chief CID
Paz I. Canlas, Education Program Supervisor in Science

QUARTER 2 WEEK 4
Physical Science
Modified Strategic Intervention Materials
Senior High School – Quarter 2: Week 4: Hertz, and special relativity
resolved the conflict between Newton mechanics
and Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory

Development Team

Author: Jayson V. Balagtas, Immanuel L. Maglasang

Cover Art Illustrator: Erich D. Garcia
Language Reviewer: Paz I. Canlas
Content Editor: Paz I. Canlas
Layout: Charmie Ann G. San Juan

Management Team

Zenia G. Mostoles EdD, CESOV , Schools Division Superintendent

Celia R. Lacanlale PhD , Chief CID
Paz I. Canlas , Education Program Supervisor in Science

Department of Education – Division of Pampanga

Office Address: High School Boulevard, Brgy. Lourdes,

San Fernando City, Pampanga

Landline Number: (045) 435-27-28

Email Address: pampanga@deped.gov.ph

 Title Card: The Super Hertz

LEARNING COMPETENCY:
Describe how Hertz produced radio pulses S11/12PS-IVi-67

This SIMS aims to:

Describe Heinrich Hertz
Explain how Hertz produced radio pulses. “Let’s
explore
Value the importance of Hertz experiments on radio pulses. more!”

What do I need to know?

a. Who is Heinrich Hertz?

b. What is radio pulse/radio waves?
c. What is the importance of Hertz’s experiment nowadays?
d. How did Hertz discover the radio pulses?

Who is Heinrich Hertz?

Heinrich Hertz, in full Heinrich Rudolf Hertz, (born February 22, 1857, Hamburg [Germany]—died January
1, 1894, Bonn, Germany), German physicist who showed that Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell’s
theory of electromagnetism was correct and that light and heat are electromagnetic radiations.

What are radio waves?

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation best-known for their use in communication technologies,
such as television, mobile phones, and radios. These devices receive radio waves and convert them to
mechanical vibrations in the speaker to create sound waves.

What do I know?

Pretest

1. Heinrich Hertz is a famous physicist mostly known for his discovery of what?
a. Photons b. Electromagnetic Radiation c. Gravity d. Magnetism

2. What type of electromagnetic waves did Heinrich Hertz produce in his laboratory that would shock the
physics and communication world?
a. X – rays b. Gamma rays c. Radio Waves d. Ultraviolet rays

3. Heinrich Hertz was honored by his surname becoming the SI unit for what?
a. frequency b. current c. voltage d. hertz

4. Hertz's discovery confirmed which Physicist's theory?

a. Faraday b. Maxwell c. Newton d. Einstein

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5. What happens when a metal sheet is placed between the transmitter and the detector?
a. stop b. burn c. reflect d. none of the above

Directions: Read the passage below TWICE and UNSCRAMBLE the letters of the enclosed words
to create meaningful statements. Write your answer opposite the scrambled word below. Enjoy!

Heinrich Hertz and his Radio Pulses

Hertz also discovered the (celetophotric) effect, providing one of the first clues to the
existence of the (tuanumq) world. The unit of (regcyfuen), he hertz, is named in his honor.

His research was focused solely on discovering if James Clerk

Maxwell’s 1864 theory of (magismnetolectro) was correct.

Considering how indispensable his (irewssel) transmissions quickly became, it seems a little
odd looking back that he had no practical purpose in mind for the radio or Hertzian waves he
discovered.

He used the induction (ilco) to generate high voltage ac electricity producing a series of
sparks at regular intervals at the main spark- gap. Hertz found that when sparks flew across
the main gap, sparks also usually flew across the secondary gap – that is between points A and B
in the image; Hertz called these side-sparks. He found the behavior of the side-sparks highly thought-
provoking.

Hertz did more experments which revealed that the sparking at the main gap was producing
beautifully regular electrical (vasew), whose behavior was predictable. He pictured waves of electric
charge moving back and forth, creating a standing wave within the wire.

In other words, he believed the circuit was vibrating like a tuning fork at its natural, resonant
frequency. He thought he now had a circuit in
(cenansore).

Hertz’s spark-gap transmitter. At the ends are two hollow zinc spheres of diameter 30 cm which are 3
m apart. These act as capacitors. 2 mm thick copper wire is run from the spheres into the middle,
where there is a spark-gap. Today we would describe this oscillator as a half-wave
dipole (annante).

celetophotric ______________________
tuanumq ______________________
regcyfuen ______________________
magismnetolectro______________________
irewssel ______________________
ilco ______________________
vasew _____________________
cenansore ______________________
emittsantrr ______________________
annante ______________________

2
Directions: Study the pictures below. Identify them whether the ideas that they present are ideas of
Heinrich Hertz or James Maxwell or both. Write HH for Heinrich Hertz, or JM for James Maxwell
inside the rectangle.

1. 2. 3.

5.

4.

Based on the activities above, it could be said that Heinrich Hertz (1857-1894) produced and detected
electromagnetic waves in his laboratory.
His goal was to verify some of the predictions about these waves that had been made by Scottish physicist
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879). Of course, simply producing electromagnetic waves was not sufficient
unless they could be detected, too.

The Oscillator. At the ends are two hollow zinc spheres of diameter 30 cm. The spheres are each connected to
copper wires which run into the middle where there is a gap for sparks to jump between.

3
What Hertz did not realize at the time is that his discovery not only verified and validated Maxwell's work, but it
also made possible the later invention of radio, television, radar, and other devices that depend on the production
and detection of electromagnetic radiation.

The lasting importance of Hertz's discovery cannot be overstated. Consider the use to which radio and other
electromagnetic waves are put today: radio, television, radar, food preparation, welding, heat sealing, magnetic
resonance imaging, radio astronomy, and navigation are only a few of the applications.
The impact of Hertz's discovery is easily recognized in the following categories of use: communications, science,
industry, and military.

Directions: Label the diagram of an induction coil connected to a spark-gap below (main spark gap, secondary
spark gap, and induction coil)

4
Directions: Read each statement below carefully. Place a T on the line if you think the statement is
TRUE. Place an F on the line if you think the statement is FALSE.

______1. The existence of electromagnetic waves was confirmed experimentally by Hertz in 1888.
______2. The experiment of Hertz is based on the fact that an oscillating electric charge radiates
electromagnetic waves.
______3. Hertz was able to produce electromagnetic waves of frequency about 5 × 10 to the power of 5 Hz.
______4. The impact of Hertz's discovery is easily recognized in the following categories of use:
communications, science, industry, and military.
______5. The unit of frequency is, the hertz (Hz), named in Heinrich Hertz’s honor.

Directions: Use the words in the box to fill in the blanks.

James Clerk Maxwell television Electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic radiation overstated radar
Magnetic resonance navigation radio
Radio astronomy detected Heinrich Hertz

In 1888 ______________________produced and detected _____________________in his laboratory. His

goal was to verify some of the predictions about these waves that had been made by _________________of
course, simply producing electromagnetic waves was not sufficient unless they could be ______________.
What Hertz did not realize at the time is that his discovery not only verified and validated Maxwell's work,
but it also made possible the later invention of__________________,________________,___________
and other devices that depend on the production and detection of _________________________.

The lasting importance of Hertz's discovery cannot be _____________________. Consider the use to which
radio and other electromagnetic waves are put today: radio, television, radar, food preparation, welding, heat
sealing, _______________________, ________________________, and ________________ are only a few
of the applications.

WORD Search

Directions: Circle the 10 words listed below that are hidden in the grid. Words appear straight
across, backward straight across, up and down, down and up, and diagonally.

5
A D H A Y C I R C U I T W E R I
V V E S F G H J E C G H C G H N
B B R F G H K L R A D I O D F T
N N T R A N S M I S S I O N S E
M M Z T E W I O W D D A C A P R
F R E Q U E N C Y F G H J K A V
D F G H J K S P H E R E S A R A
T U N I N G F O R K D F G H K L

transmissions tuning fork

hertz frequency
spark circuit
interval spheres
wire radio

Can you name the stuff about Radio Waves?

____________1. Heinrich Hertz was honored by his surname becoming the SI unit for what?
____________2. What sparks produce can produce radio waves?
____________3. How can radio waves be detected?
____________4. The apparatus used to produce the radio waves is known as a what?
____________5. What phenomenon occurs when the waves pass through the detector?
____________6. What happens when a metal sheet is placed between the transmitter and the
detector?
____________7. A metal sheet does what to radio waves?
____________8. What materials do not stop radio waves?
____________9. Hertz's radio waves were what?
____________10. Hertz's discovery confirmed which Physicist's theory?

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QUOTES: Choose from the following famous quotes of Heinrich Hertz. Choose only one quote that fits your
feelings about the content then explain why this quote represents your feelings.

QUOTE 1: One cannot escape the feeling that these mathematical formulas have an independent existence
and an intelligence of their own, that they are wiser than we are, wiser even than their discoverers.

QUOTE 2: I grow increasingly aware, and in more ways than expected that I am at the center of my own
field; and whether it be folly or wisdom, it is a very pleasant feeling.

QUOTE 3: I also require much time to ponder over the matters themselves, and particularly the principles of
mechanics (as the very words: force, time, space, motion indicate) can occupy one severely enough; likewise,
in mathematics, the meaning of imaginary quantities, of the infinitesimally small and infinitely large and
similar matters.

Chosen Quote:
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Explanation:

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information

please read and visit:

Caintic H.A. (2019).Exploring Physical Science Textbook, Quezon City: SIB Publishing
House Inc.

Volunteers (2012).Everything Science Textbook, South Africa: Siyavula

https://www.famousscientists.org/how-hertz-discovered-radio-waves/

https://www.sporcle.com/games/jacklewis99/heinrich-hertz-and-radio-waves

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21646821.2013.11079882

https://whyy.org/segments/the-history-of-heinrich-hertz-and-the-discovery-of-radio-
waves/

7
 8
Electromagnetic Induction 10. Maxwell 5.
Spark gap transmitter 9. Polarised 4.
Using a wire loop with a small gap 8. Insulators 3.
High voltage sparks 7. Reflects them 2.
Frequency 6. The sparks stop 1.
VII. ASSESSMENT CARD # 2
VI. INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY # 2
A D H A Y C I R C U I T W E R I
V V E S F G H J E C G H C G H N
B B R F G H K L R A D I O D F T
N N T R A N S M I S S I O N S E
M M Z T E W I O W D D A C A P R
F R E Q U E N C Y F G H J K A V
D F G H J K S P H E R E S A R A
T U N I N G F O R K D F G H K L
III. ENRICHMENT ACTIVIY # 1
V ASSESSMENT CARD # 1
1. Heinrich Hertz 8. Electromagnetic radiation
2. Electromagnetic waves 9. Overstated
3. James Clerk Maxwell 10. Magnetic Resonance Imaging
4. Detected 11. Radio astronomy
5. Radio 12. Navigation
6. Television
7. Radar
IV. ENRICHMENT ACTIVIY # 2
1. T 2. T 3.T 4. F 5. T I. ACTIVITY CARD # 1
1. Photoelectric 6. Coil
II. ACTIVITY CARD # 2 2. Quantum 7. Waves
3. Frequency 8. Resonance
1. HH 2. HH 3. HH 4. HH 5.JM 4. Electromagnetism 9. Transmitter
5. Wireless 10. Antenna
 Title Card
Special relativity resolved the conflict between Newtonian mechanics and Maxwell’s
electromagnetic theory

Guide Card

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Fermented fish or “buro” is a kapampangan delicacy that is usually served on a table in any community
fiesta. Kapampangan people love eating it with vegetables and fish. Have you ever seen a foreigner enjoy
eating “buro”? The answer is most probably “no.” Most foreigners find the smell of fermented fish repulsive
and its taste disgusting. Indeed, taste is relative. I used the word “relative” here to mean that taste is not the
same for everyone. The perception of one person is different from another because we all have different
experiences. Aside from taste, many people also say that truth is relative. Is it true that the Kapampangan
people are boastful? One person might say “yes” because he probably already met a lot of boastful
Kapampangan. Another person might say “no” because his experience with Kapampangan people is
different. He probably only met the humble ones. What is TRUE to someone may not be TRUE to another.
Hence, we say that truth is relative. The opposite of relative is absolute.

If taste and truth are relative, what other things in this world are relative? For one, motion is relative.
Imagine that you are sitting on a moving tricycle beside your friend. If you ask everyone whether you are
moving, you will get different answers because motion is not absolute. Your friend will say that you are not
moving because he sees that you are just sitting beside him. A person whom the tricycle passed by would say
that you are moving because he saw you pass by him. If you get off the tricycle and sit on a waiting, shed and
you ask everyone whether you are moving or not, you will still get different answers. Your friend who is still
seated beside you in the waiting shed will say that you are not moving. However, someone from the outer
space who observes the rotation of the Earth might also say that you are moving because the Earth where you
are seated on is also moving. That is what we mean when we say that something is relative. In this lesson, we
will learn about the Theory of Special Relativity of Albert Einstein. From the title of the theory itself, we can
already deduce that the theory is all about things that are relative.

Learning Competency: The learners explain how special relativity resolved the conflict between Newtonian
mechanics and Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory (S11/12PS-IVi-j69).

Objectives:
At the end of this module, the student should be able to:
1. define classical mechanics and relativistic mechanics;
2. explain how classical or Newtonian mechanics describe relative velocity;
3. explain how Maxwell’s idea regarding the speed of light is conflicting with Newtonian or classical
mechanics;
4. perform a thought experiment similar to the one Einstein did; and
5. explain how Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity resolved the conflict between Newtonian
mechanics and Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory.

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WHAT I KNOW

In this part of the module, you will answer questions about the topic. This is to determine if there is still a
need for you to proceed this part or skip it. It is very important that you answer the questions honestly. Please
also note that this assessment will not be recorded and it will only serve as a guide for you. You can skip this
module if you answered 100% of the questions correctly. If not, then you will need to proceed with the
module.

Pretest
1. If something is moving at a constant velocity, it means that it is not ______.
a. Accelerating c. Changing speed
b. Changing direction d. All of the above

2. Paul is sitting inside a large container van that is moving at a constant velocity. If there is no way for Paul
to see or hear what is happening outside, would he know that the container van is moving at all?
a. Yes, because he will feel the van moving
b. No, because he can’t see or hear
c. Yes, because he has been on a moving vehicle before and he knows how it feels.
d. No, because the van is not changing speed and direction, therefore, there is no acceleration.

3. The theory of special relativity is focused on things that are moving_____:

a. At a constant velocity c. At a constant direction
b. At a constant speed d. All of the above

4. Eloiza is inside a rocket that is moving at a constant velocity of 100 m/s in the outer space. Loudette is
inside another rocket that is also moving at a constant speed of 100 m/s. The rockets are traveling close to
each other at the same direction. Eloiza and Loudette can see each other. However, both of them could
not see the stars around them. Everything is black. How would Eloiza perceive the motion of Loudette.
a. Eloiza will think that Loudette is moving faster than her.
b. Eloiza will think that Loudette is moving slower than her.
c. Eloiza will think that she and Loudette are not moving at all.
d. Eloiza will think that Loudette is moving at a same speed as her.

5. Eloiza is still in a rocket where all she can see are other rockets and everything else is black. She noticed
that Haui’s rocket is getting closer and closer to her rocket. What could possibly be happening here?
a. Eloiza’s rocket is not moving and that Haui’s rocket is moving towards her.
b. Eloiza’s rocket is moving towards Haui’s and that his rocket is not moving.
c. Both Eloiza’s rocket and Haui’s rocket are moving towards each other.
d. All of the above are possibilities and given the situation of Eloiza, she will have no way of
knowing for sure.

6. Neil saw Michael standing inside a transparent container van that is moving at a constant speed of 20m/s
going to the east. Michael took a ball and threw it 10m/s towards the east. What would be the speed of the
ball as perceived by Michael?
a. 10 m/s b. 20m/s c. 30m/s d 40m/s

7. From the previous scenario, what would be the speed of the ball as perceived by Niel?
a. 10 m/s b. 20m/s c. 30m/s d 40m/s

Please refer to this scenario in answering questions 8-10.

Jaycee saw Izzy, Sarah and Vianca standing inside a transparent container van that is moving at
a constant speed to the east. Izzy was at the center of the platform and Vianca and Sarah were on the opposite
ends of the container. The distance between Sarah and Izzy was the same as the distance between Vianca and
Izzy. The only difference was that Sarah was on the east and Vianca was on the west. Sarah and Vianca then
threw a ball to Izzy at the same time and at the same speed. Izzy caught both balls at the same time.

10
8. In the perspective of Izzy or in Izzy’s frame of reference, which ball was moving faster?
a. Sarah’s ball c. Vianca’s Ball
b. Both balls have the same speed d. Incomplete info

9. Jaycee saw that aside from the balls, the container van was also moving at a constant speed to the East. In
his frame of reference or in his perspective, which of the two balls were moving faster (use Newtonian
Mechanics)?
a. Sarah’s ball c. Vianca’s Ball
b. Both balls have the same speed d. Incomplete info

Please refer to the following scenario in answering questions 10-12.

Denver is at the center of a transparent container van moving at half the speed of light going to
the east. He is holding a bomb that can be triggered when light hits it. However, it will only explode if the
light from the east will hit it before the light from the west does. There is a light source on both ends of the
container van. Denver observed that the light from both ends turned on at the same time. The light particles
hit the bomb at the same time therefore it did not explode. Angelo, who was outside the container van saw the
same thing.

10. In the frame of reference of Denver, which light traveled faster?

a. The light originating from the east
b. The light originating from the west
c. None, light has an absolute speed.
d. There is not enough information.

11. In the frame of reference of Angelo, which light traveled faster?

a. The light originating from the east
b. The light originating from the west
c. None, light has an absolute speed.
d. There is not enough information

12. Angelo knows that the speed of light is absolute in all reference frame. He knows that the light particles
from east and west hit the bomb at the same time because the bomb did not explode. In his reference
frame which light source emitted light particles first?
a. The light source from the east
b. The light source from the west
c. Both light sources simultaneously emitted light.

13. A changing magnetic field induces or produces an electric field.

a. True b. False c. Not enough information

14. A changing electric field induces or produces a magnetic field.

a. True b. False c. Not enough information

15. Which of the following is not an example of an electromagnetic waves.

a. Infrared b. Microwave c. Magnet d. Visible light

16. Maxwell was able to compute the speed of light to be 3.0 x 108. Which of the following has the same
speed?
a. Radiowave b. Microwave c. X-ray d. AOTA

17. Which of the following has an absolute speed?

a. Car b. Running boy c. Light d. rolling ball

Refer to this scenario in answering questions 13-15.

Ernan walked from his house to the school for 5 minutes. His house is 200 meters away from the
school.
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18. What is the distance between his house and the school?
a. 5 meters b. 100 meters c. 200 meters d.1000 meters

19. What is the time consumed by Ernan as he walked from his house to the school?
a. 5 min b. 100 min c. 200 min d. 1000 min

20. What is the speed of Ernan?

a. 10 m/min b. 20 m/min c. 30 m/min d. 40m/min

WHAT’S IN
In the previous lesson, you learned about the electromagnetic spectrum and the different
properties of light. Light is an electromagnetic wave that propagates at a constant speed. Einstein’s Theory of
special relativity tells us that in all reference frames or in all perspectives, the speed of light is NOT
RELATIVE.

In previous lessons, you also learned that velocity is relative and the velocity of the body depends
on whose reference frame we are using. For example: Imagine Jhessie standing at the back of a pick-up truck
that is moving at a constant speed of 30 m/s going to the east. She throws a ball going to the east at a constant
speed of 10 m/s. Xyrell stands still while observing this. In the frame of reference of Jhessie, the velocity of
the ball is 10m/s. However, in the frame of reference of Xyrell (who observes that while the ball is moving
10m/s, the car is also moving at 30m/s on the same direction), the velocity of the ball becomes 40m/s. So
what is the real velocity of the ball? Is it 10m/s or 40 m/s? The answer is BOTH. Both are correct depending
on which frame of reference you are using. Velocity is relative.

There seems to be contradiction here because it was mentioned in the first paragraph that the
speed of light is not relative. Now, in the second paragraph, it is claimed that velocity is relative. This
contradiction is better illustrated in the following example:

Imagine that Roldan is standing on a transparent container van holding a flashlight. The container
van moves to the east at a constant speed of 100 m/s. In Roldan’s frame of reference, he measures the speed
of light to be 3x108 m/s. Christian, who is outside standing still, is observing the speed of light from the
flashlight.
You might think that Christian observed the speed of light to be 3x10 8 m/s plus the speed of the
container van, which is 100m/s. However, this is not the case because there is a universal speed limit and that
is the speed of light. In Christian’s reference frame, he still measures the speed of light from Roldan’s
flashlight to be 3x108 m/s. The next activities will help you understand this concept and they will help you
understand how Einstein’s theory of special relativity resolves this contradiction.

Activity Card
WHAT’S NEW
Physics can be subdivided into three major branches.
1. Classical Mechanics
2. Relativistic Mechanics
3. Quantum Mechanics

Classical mechanics is also known as Newtonian mechanics. It describes the motion of macroscopic
objects. Relativistic mechanics describes the motion and behavior of objects that are moving very fast or
objects that move close to the speed of light. Quantum mechanics describes the motion and interaction of very
small particles or subatomic particles.

12
 Relativistic mechanics and Quantum Mechanics are also referred to as modern physics to emphasize
that their birth began only lately compared to classical mechanics. Classical mechanics can be used to
describe the motion of objects but it has limitations, as it cannot accurately describe motions that are
extremely fast and the motion of extremely small particles. It is from these limitations that relativistic and
quantum mechanics are born.

In the next portion, we will learn how classical mechanics view relativity and its limitations that led
Einstein to formulate his theory of special relativity.

WHAT IS IT?

In this activity, we will do a thought experiment. Einstein spends a lot of his time doing a thought
experiment. He does this because there are questions in his mind that he could not test in a laboratory. All you
have to do is use your imagination and critical thinking. Are you ready?

Imagine this:
(Part 1: Classical Mechanics)

Kryzette is seated at the center of a transparent container van that is moving at a constant speed to
the east. Her friends Geena and Hayzee are standing at both ends of the van. Geena is standing on the east and
Hayzee on the west. The distance between Geena and Kryzette is the same as the distance between Hayzee
and Kryzette. Katelyn is standing outside observing Kryzette and her friends.

ACTIVITY 1: Draw the scenario above in the box below. Use arrow to show the direction of
motion.

Hayzee and Geena each threw a ball at Kryzette at the same time and at the same speed. Kryzette
felt the balls hit her simultaneously. In her frame of reference, the speed of both balls is the same. However,
Katelyn who is outside observing has a different frame of reference. Let us talk about her observations.

Katelyn also saw the balls hit Kryzette simultaneously. She also saw the balls being thrown at the
same time. She is now wondering how the velocity of the van affected the velocity of each ball. Do you think
Katelyn observed the balls to have the same speed just like Kryzette? (Write your answer on the space
provided below)
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

In classical mechanics, time is absolute. This means that no matter who is observing, the events
are always simultaneous. When Kryzette saw that Geena and Hayzee simultaneously threw the ball, Katelyn
saw that it was also simultaneous. When Kryzette felt the balls hitting her at the same time, Katelyn also saw
that the balls indeed hit Kryzette at the same time. If time is absolute then something else must have been
relative. In this case, it is the velocity that is relative.
13
 In Katelyn’s frame of reference, the speed of the two balls is not the same. Since the container
van is moving at a constant velocity to the east, Geena’s ball travels slower and Hayzee’s ball travels faster. In
Katelyn’s point of view, as the Geena’s ball travels towards Kryzette, Kryzette also travels towards Geena’s ball
and as Hayzee’s ball travels towards Kryzette, Kryzette travels away from Hayzee’s ball. If both balls were
thrown at the same time and Krizette is moving towards Geena’s ball and away from Hayzee’s ball, how was it
possible that both balls hit Kryzette at the exact moment? The only explanation is that Hayzee’s ball must have
traveled faster than Geena’s ball. Did you get the answer right?

In Kryzette’s frame of reference, the speed of both balls is the same. In Katelyn’s frame of
reference, the speed of Geena’s ball is slower than Hayzee’s ball. We are talking of one situation here where
there are two observers in two different reference frames. Their perception on the velocity of the balls differs
even when they were observing the same event. Though they differ, both of them are correct. That is relative
motion in classical mechanics.

Everything changed when the idea of the speed of light being constant began to be accepted in the
scientific world.
Let us continue our thought experiment…

(Part 2. Theory of Special Relativity)

Kyzette is still sitting at the center of the transparent container van that is moving at a constant
velocity to the East. Geena and Hayzee are still on both ends of the container equally distanced from Kryzette.
This time, Kryzette is holding a bomb that can be triggered when light particles hit it from the east and from the
west. However, it will only explode if a light particle from the east hits it first before the light particle from the
west does. If the light particles from east and west hit it at the same time, the bomb will not explode. To make
sure that the bomb does not explode, Geena and Hayzee made sure that they turn on the flash light
simultaneously. After turning their lights on, the light particles from Geena and Hayzee travelled towards the
bomb and they hit it at the same time. In Kryzette’s frame of reference, the light particles from the East and West
travelled at the same speed. That is why the bomb was hit at the same time and it did not explode.

The question now is whether Katelyn witnessed the same thing. We know that her reference
frame is different from that of Kryzette. While Kryzette does not feel like all three of them were in motion,
Katelyn could see that all of them are moving at a constant velocity to the East. What do you think? Did the bomb
explode from Katelyn’s frame of reference? Explain your answer below:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

In our very first thought experiment, Katelyn observed that the speed of the ball from the East is
slower compared to the ball from the West that’s why they hit Kryzette at the same time. Is it possible that the
same thing happened this time? Is it possible that the light from the East travels slower than the light from the
west? The answer is NO because we have already established that the speed of light is constant. Nothing could get
any faster than 3x108 m/s. It is impossible for the light from the west to be travelling faster than its original speed.
It is also impossible for the light from the East to be traveling slower than its original speed unless it is refracted
which is not the case here.

This is the reason why Maxwell’s idea of cosmic speed limit is problematic to the minds that use
classical mechanics. When the flashlights were simultaneously turned on, light particles from both sides traveled
towards Kryzette. But since the container van was moving at a constant speed to the East, the light from the East
should have been closer to Kryzette and the light from the west should have been farther because Kryzette was
moving towards the East. If the speed of light from both sides were the same, how did both light particles reached
the bomb at the same time?

We can all agree that the bomb did not explode in both reference frames. The event (light hitting
the bomb) happened at the same place at the same time. Its simultaneity can no longer be questioned. Then what
could have happened in Katelyn’s reference frame?
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 Einstein thought about this very hard and here’s what he thought. Hayzee’s light particle will
have to travel farther so she shined her light before Geena shined hers. Since Geena turned her flashlight late,
the light from Hayzee was able to reach the bomb at the same time the light from Geena did. Both Katelyn and
Kryzette agree that the light particles hit the bomb at the same time. However, they do not agree that Geena and
Hayzee hit the on button at the same time. Who among them is correct? Again, the answer is both. Simultaneity
is relative and whether something from different places happened at the same time depends on which reference
frame you are observing the event.

This is how Einstein’s theory of relativity resolved the conflict between Newtonian mechanics
and Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory. In Newtonian mechanics, velocity is relative. Maxwell’s electromagnetic
theory showed that not all velocity is relative because the speed of light is constant. This created a problem as can
be seen by the thought experiment example above. Einstein solved the problem by saying that the speed of light is
constant but SIMULTANEITY is relative. The relativity of simultaneity is a new concept and we thank Einstein
for this discovery. We actually have a very accurate GPS because of this theory.

Enrichment Card
WHAT’S MORE?

When something is relative, it means that different people can describe it differently. Time can be
slower for one observer and it can be faster for another. You will learn more about this in the next module.
What is important for you to learn now are the two postulates that govern the theory of special relativity:

1. The laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames.

2. The speed of light is constant.

3.

GUIDED ACTIVITY 1
Directions: True or False. Write “T” if the statement is true and write “F” if the statement is false.

1. The theory of special relativity is applicable to objects that are not accelerating.
2. Acceleration is the change in velocity of the object.
3. Light is a form of electromagnetic wave.
4. Other forms of electromagnetic wave are microwave, second wave, and oven toaster.
5. Light has a constant speed.
6. It is possible for an object to travel faster than the speed of light as long as it has enough energy.
7. A changing electric field produces a magnetic field.
8. A changing magnetic field produces an electric field.
9. Maxwell believed that the speed of light is relative.
10. Einstein believed that the speed of light is relative.

INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY 1

Louie is seated at the center of a transparent train car moving at a constant speed to the east.
There are two light bulbs on both ends of the train car and they are equally distanced from Louie. Franz was
observing from the outside of the train. The lights turned on and the light particles from east and west hit
Louie at the same moment.

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 1. Did Franz observe that the light particles hit Louie at the same time? (yes/no)
2. Did Franz observe that the speed of light coming from the East was slower? (yes/ no) Why?
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Did Franz observe that the lights turned on simultaneously? Why?
a. _____________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY 2

1. Differentiate classical mechanics and relativistic mechanics.

2. How did the theory of special relativity resolve the conflict between Newtonian mechanics and Maxwell’s
electromagnetic theory?

Reflection Card
What I have learned:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

What I can do: Just like velocity and time, opinions and preferences are also relative. One person may
perceive a politician to be efficient and another will perceive him to be inefficient. How can you show your
respect to the beliefs and opinions of others?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Assessment Card
POST TEST.
Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. If something is accelerating, it means that it is ________________
a. Changing speed
b. Changing direction
c. Not moving at a constant speed
d. All of the above
2. Miko is sitting inside a large truck that is moving at a constant velocity. If there is no way for Miko to see
or hear what is happening outside, would he know that the container van is moving at all?
a. Yes, because he will feel the van moving
b. No, because he can’t see or hear
c. Yes, because he has been on a moving vehicle before and he knows how it feels.
d. No, because the van is not changing speed and direction, therefore, there is no acceleration.
3. Which of the following is the focus of the theory of special relativity?
a. Objects moving at constant velocity
b. Objects moving at constant speed
c. Objects moving at constant direction
d. All of the above
16
4. Aloha saw Jhon Mark standing inside a truck that is moving at a constant speed of 10m/s going to the
east. John Mark took a ball and threw it 5m/s towards the east. What would be the speed of the ball as
perceived by Jhon Mark?
a. 5 m/s b. 10m/s c. 15m/s d 20m/s
5. From the previous scenario, what would be the speed of the ball as perceived by Aloha?
a. 5 m/s b. 10m/s c. 15m/s d 20m/s

Please refer to this scenario in answering questions 8-10.

Jaycee saw Izzy, Sarah, and Vianca standing inside a transparent container van that is
moving at a constant speed to the east. Izzy was at the center of the platform and Vianca and Sarah were on
the opposite ends of the container. The distance between Sarah and Izzy was the same as the distance between
Vianca and Izzy. The only difference was that Sarah was on the east and Vianca was on the west. Sarah and
Vianca then threw a ball to Izzy at the same time and at the same speed. Izzy caught both balls at the same
time.
6. In the perspective of Izzy or in Izzy’s frame of reference, which ball was moving faster?
a. Sarah’s ball
b. Both balls have the same speed
c. Vianca’s Ball
d. Incomplete info

7. Jaycee saw that aside from the balls, the container van was also moving at a constant speed to the East. In
his frame of reference or in his perspective, which of the two balls were moving faster (use Newtonian
Mechanics)?
a. Sarah’s ball
b. Both balls have the same speed
c. Vianca’s Ball
d. Incomplete info

Please refer to the following scenario in answering questions 10-12.

Denver is at the center of a transparent container van moving at half the speed of light going to the east.
He is holding a bomb that can be triggered when light hits it. However, it will only explode if the light from the
east will hit it before the light from the west does. There is a light source on both ends of the container van.
Denver observed that the light from both ends turned on at the same time. The light particles hit the bomb at
the same time therefore it did not explode. Angelo, who was outside the container van saw the same thing.

8. In the frame of reference of Denver, which light traveled faster?

a. The light originating from the east
b. The light originating from the west
c. None, light has an absolute speed.
d. There is not enough information.

9. In the frame of reference of Angelo, which light traveled faster?

a. The light originating from the east
b. The light originating from the west
c. None, light has an absolute speed.
d. There is not enough information

10. Angelo knows that the speed of light is absolute in all reference frames. He knows that the light particles
from the east and west hit the bomb at the same time because the bomb did not explode. In his reference frame
which light source emitted light particles first?
a. The light source from the east
b. The light source from the west
c. Both light sources simultaneously emitted light.

17
 18
Assessment Post test
1.D 2. D 3. D 4. C 5. C
6. B 7. C 8. C 9. C 10.B
Independent Activity 2
1. Classical mechanics describes the motion of macroscopic objects while Relativistic Mechanics
describes the motion of very fast objects - those that travel close to the speed of light.
2. Velocity has always been considered relative in classical mechanics. When Maxwell proposed
his electromagnetic theory where it was shown that light is a form of electromagnetic wave that
has constant speed, it resulted in a conundrum or a very difficult problem to solve. Einstein
resolved the conflict by saying that because the speed of light is constant, simultaneity becomes
relative. Not all observers see two events happening at the same time. In the above-mentioned
example, Louie observed that the lights turned on simultaneously. To account for the constant
speed of light and initial speed of the vehicle, Franz observed that the light from the west turned
on first.
Independent Activity 1
1. Yes
2. No, he will not be able to observe a change in the speed of light because there is no mention of
change in medium. The speed of light is constant in all reference frame.
3.No, he did not. If he observed that the lights turned on simultaneously, the light particles from
east and west will not hit Louie at the same time because Franz observes the initial speed to the
east of the train car. The speed of light is constant. It is simultaneity that is relative.
Guided Activity 1
1.F 2. T 3. T 4. F 5. T
6. F 7. T 8. T 9. F 10.F
Hayzee Kryzette Geena
PreTest
1.D 2. D 3. D 4. C 5.D 6. A 7. C 8.B 9. C 10. C
11. C 12. B 13. A 14. A 15.C 16. D 17. C 18. C 19. A 20. D
Answer Card
https://link.quipper.com/en/organizations/547ff93ed2b76d0002001ae7/curriculum#curriculum
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2007.2192
Hall G (2008), Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory and special relativity. The Royal Society Publishing,
Reference Card
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