Time in the Lorentz transformation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the derivation of the Lorentz transformation, specifically the expression for time in the context of special relativity. Participants explore various mathematical representations and derivations of the transformation equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the origin of the equation t'=(t-vx/c^2)/(1-v^2/c^2)^(1/2).
  • One participant presents a matrix representation of the Lorentz transformation, suggesting that v = tanh(θ) and c is normalized to 1.
  • Another participant mentions multiple elegant methods to derive the Lorentz transformation, providing links to external resources.
  • There is a correction regarding the sign of sinh(θ) in the transformation matrix, with some participants suggesting it should be +sinh(θ) or -sinh(θ) based on the determinant condition.
  • Participants acknowledge corrections and express gratitude for clarifications in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct sign for sinh(θ) in the transformation matrix, indicating that there is no consensus on this aspect of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to external resources for derivations, but the specific assumptions and conditions under which these derivations hold are not fully explored.

asdf1
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where does t`=(t-vx/c^2)/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2 come from?
 
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asdf1 said:
where does t`=(t-vx/c^2)/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2 come from?

From
[tex]\left( \begin{array}{c} x' \\ t' \end{array} \right) = \left( \begin{array}{cc} cosh(\theta) & -sinh(\theta) \\ sinh(\theta) & cosh(\theta) \end{array} \right) \left( \begin{array}{c} x \\ t \end{array} \right)[/tex]

where [tex]v = tanh(\theta)[/tex] and c is taken to be 1.
 
asdf1 said:
where does t`=(t-vx/c^2)/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2 come from?
There are many elegant ways to derive the Lorentz transformation:

http://www.everythingimportant.org/relativity/
http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=AJPIAS000043000005000434000001
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/physics/pdf/0302/0302045.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
It should be [tex]+\sinh(\theta)[/tex].
(The determinant has to be 1.)
 
robphy said:
It should be [tex]+\sinh(\theta)[/tex].
(The determinant has to be 1.)

Or rather they should both be [tex]-\sinh(\theta)[/tex] I believe.
 
learningphysics said:
Or rather they should both be [tex]-\sinh(\theta)[/tex] I believe.

Yes, of course :-p , considering the original post. Thanks.
 
thanks! :)
 

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