| Explain what is meant by the principle of relativity. | [1] |
| This is bookwork. As it's only one mark not too much detail is required here, but you do need to be precise (you're being asked for a definition). | |
| If we combine the Galilean transformation with Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, we violate the principle of relativity. Explain why this is so. | [1] |
| Again, not much detail needed here, but you do need to be precise. Exactly what aspect of Maxwell's theory does not hold for a moving reference frame, if we use Galilean coordinate transformations? | |
| What is the equivalence principle? Explain why the equivalence principle implies that light should be deflected by a gravitational field. How was this effect first used to test general relativity? | [3] |
| There are three distinct questions here, and three marks, so it is a fair guess that there is one mark per point (though in fact the second question requires the longest answer and may be worth 1.5 marks). |
(2005 Q1.)