- #1
arindamsinha
- 181
- 0
The Lorentz factor is used ubiquitously in relativity for transformation between frames and in describing various relationships.
Wikipedia describes this as:
----------
The Lorentz factor is defined as:
γ = 1/√(1-v2/c2) = 1/√(1-β2) = dt/dτ
where:
v is the relative velocity between inertial reference frames,
β is the ratio of v to the speed of light c.
τ is the proper time for an observer (measuring time intervals in the observer's own frame),
c is the speed of light.
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This is all great mathematically, and well understood in its applications in relativity.
I am wondering if there is a simple and understandable explanation of what the Lorentz factor really is. I mean, is there any intuitive, physical way in which it can be explained? (for example, it is a conversion factor between such and such...)
Any opinions on how we might be able to describe the 'real meaning' of the Lorentz factor in some intuitive and easily understandable way?
Wikipedia describes this as:
----------
The Lorentz factor is defined as:
γ = 1/√(1-v2/c2) = 1/√(1-β2) = dt/dτ
where:
v is the relative velocity between inertial reference frames,
β is the ratio of v to the speed of light c.
τ is the proper time for an observer (measuring time intervals in the observer's own frame),
c is the speed of light.
----------
This is all great mathematically, and well understood in its applications in relativity.
I am wondering if there is a simple and understandable explanation of what the Lorentz factor really is. I mean, is there any intuitive, physical way in which it can be explained? (for example, it is a conversion factor between such and such...)
Any opinions on how we might be able to describe the 'real meaning' of the Lorentz factor in some intuitive and easily understandable way?