Is T = T^-1 in Lorentz Transformations for 4 Vectors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of Lorentz transformations in the context of four-vectors. The original poster questions whether the matrix representation of a Lorentz transformation satisfies the condition T = T^-1 or if T^v_u = {T^u_v}^-1 holds true.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the transpose and inverse of the transformation matrix, questioning if T^T = T^-1. There is also confusion regarding the notation and whether T equals its own inverse.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the notation and properties of Lorentz transformations. Some have suggested writing out the matrix explicitly to clarify the relationships, while others express uncertainty about the lecturer's assignment and the implications of the indices.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential typo in the assignment given by the lecturer, as well as the possibility that the position of indices may influence the results being discussed.

yukcream
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I am not sure wheather
matrix T^v_u = {T^u_v}^-1
or T^v_u = {T^v_u} is true?
T is a lorentz transformation for 4 vector~

Yuk
 
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Start by writing down the matrix representation of a general Lorentz transformation.

yukcream said:
I am not sure wheather
matrix T^v_u = {T^u_v}^-1

In matrix language, that is [itex]T^T=T^{-1}[/itex]. In other words, you are asking if the transpose of [itex]T[/itex] equals the inverse of [itex]T[/itex].

Try writing it out explicitly and see if it does.

or T^v_u = {T^v_u} is true?

Is there a typo here? Because here you just seem to be asking if [itex]T^{\mu}_{\nu}[/itex] equals itself, unless there is something else implied by the { } braces.
 
It is great that you can understand my notation~ you are so smart!

It is my fault that I want to ask is T^v_u = {T^v_u} -1?

thanks for help
yuk
 
yukcream said:
It is great that you can understand my notation~ you are so smart!

Your notation is a lot like LaTeX, which is what I used to make my math symbols. So, I'm not really that smart. :-p

It is my fault that I want to ask is T^v_u = {T^v_u} -1?

OK, so now you're asking if [itex]T[/itex] is equal to its own inverse. Again, try to write down the matrix and see if that is so.
 
Actually T is a special transformation~ called Lorentz transformation. In 4 vector case they are not equal~ but my lecturer asked me to prove T = T inverse~ I wonder is there is any typing error in his assignment given? or the position of the indexs may affect the result? They are not the same in fact!

yuk yuk
 

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