Names of 4-Vector Norms & Physical Quantities

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter speeding electron
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    4-vector Norm
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Lorentz invariant norm of four-vectors, specifically the four-potential and four-current. It is established that the norm of any four-vector is invariant under transformations, maintaining its value regardless of the coordinate system. While the term "Lorentz metric" is suggested for clarity, there are no specific names for the norms of the four-potential and four-current due to their dependence on the physical context, such as charge and current distributions. The invariance of the norm is confirmed, emphasizing that it remains unchanged unless a different metric is applied.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of four-vectors in physics
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz metric
  • Basic concepts of charge and current densities
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of Lorentz invariance in special relativity
  • Study the implications of the Lorentz metric in different physical contexts
  • Explore the relationship between four-vectors and physical quantities
  • Investigate the effects of coordinate transformations on vector representations
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of relativity, and anyone studying the properties of four-vectors and their applications in theoretical physics.

speeding electron
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
Are there names for the Lorentz invariant norm of the four-potential and four-current? I assume that they are invariant under the transformations. Also, is it true that any physical quantities which form a four-vector have an invariant quantity associated with them (i.e. the norm of the corresponding four-vector)? Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Vectors are invariant under changes of the coordinate system (what you probably mean by tranformation). Only their representation as a linear combination of the base vectors changes (as an inverse to the changes of the base => contravariant vectors). As the vectors (do not confuse a vector with it´s representation (t,x,y,z)) remain unchanged so is their norm - unless you switch to another norm/metric for some reason.
Or in short: Yes, the norm of every vector is an invariant.

About the name: I´m not sure if there´s a special name for it but if you talk about "Lorentz metric" (note that the norm derives from the metric) I think people will know what you talk about - but beware that the sign-convention for this metric might vary.
 
speeding electron said:
Are there names for the Lorentz invariant norm of the four-potential and four-current? I assume that they are invariant under the transformations. Also, is it true that any physical quantities which form a four-vector have an invariant quantity associated with them (i.e. the norm of the corresponding four-vector)? Thanks.
No. There are no names for them. The main reason being is that their physical meaning will depend on the particular distributions of charges/currents. I.e. if there exists a frame in which there are no charges present but there is a non-zero current density then the norm is proportional to that current density. If, on the otherhand, there is a frame in which there is no current density but there is a charge density then the norm is proportional that charge density.

Pete
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
10K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K