Can Adding a Constant to the D'Alembertian Maintain Relativistic Invariance?

In summary, relativistic invariance, also known as Lorentz invariance, is a fundamental principle in physics that states the laws of nature should remain unchanged regardless of the observer's frame of reference or their relative motion. It is important because it led to the development of Einstein's theory of special relativity and plays a crucial role in modern physics. Relativistic invariance is also related to the speed of light, which is a fundamental constant in the universe and is the same in all inertial frames of reference. According to our current understanding of physics, relativistic invariance cannot be violated and has been extensively tested and confirmed by experiments. It also impacts our daily lives in various ways, such as enabling precise GPS
  • #1
gulsen
217
0
In Feynman lectures in physics v2 28-6, Feynman points out that we can add a constant times [itex]\phi[/itex] to D'Alembertian without distrupting the relativistic invariance. How and why?? Can someone work out a mathematical proof?

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
The sum of two invariant quantities is an invariant quantity.
 
  • #3
The derivative of a constant wrt any variable is zero.
 

1. What is relativistic invariance?

Relativistic invariance, also known as Lorentz invariance, is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the laws of nature should remain unchanged regardless of the observer's frame of reference or their relative motion.

2. Why is relativistic invariance important?

Relativistic invariance is important because it led to the development of Einstein's theory of special relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time. It also plays a crucial role in many areas of modern physics, such as particle physics and cosmology.

3. How is relativistic invariance related to the speed of light?

The speed of light, denoted by the letter "c", is a fundamental constant in the universe and is the maximum speed at which all matter and information can travel. Relativistic invariance dictates that the speed of light is the same in all inertial frames of reference, regardless of the observer's relative motion.

4. Can relativistic invariance be violated?

According to our current understanding of physics, no. Relativistic invariance is a fundamental principle that has been extensively tested and confirmed by experiments. Any theories that violate this principle are not considered to be valid descriptions of our universe.

5. How does relativistic invariance impact our daily lives?

Although we may not realize it, relativistic invariance plays a role in many aspects of our daily lives. For example, it allows for the precise timing of GPS satellites, which is necessary for accurate navigation. It also explains the phenomenon of time dilation, which affects the functioning of atomic clocks used in many modern technologies.

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