PHY 118 - Topics: Measuring Our Universe (1)

How do we know how big the Earth is and how far it is from the sun? Or the distance to the stars? How do we know the size of an atom? When did we first understand these distances? This course will focus on methods that scientists have used to determine the structure and size of our universe, from atom-sized objects to the largest structures in our universe. We will explore the history of attempts at determining these distances, as well as modern methods of determining sizes. Students will learn the geometric and algebraic methods that are used to find the answers to these questions. Intended for non-science majors.
(Science) (Quantitative Reasoning Encounter)