What is Lorentz: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Lorentz is a name derived from the Roman surname, Laurentius, which means "from Laurentum". It is the German form of Laurence. Notable people with the name include:

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  1. L

    I Car, wheels and Lorentz contraction of the road: Is this a Paradox?

    A car travels at low speed on a road from start to finish, and counts the number of turns of the wheel, which gives it a road length of N.2πR, where R is the radius of the wheel. Then he does the race again at relativistic speed. He sees the road with a Lorentz contraction. However, he has to...
  2. M

    I Alternative Ways to Realize Invariance: Lorentz Transformation

    The Lorentz transformation ensures different inertial observers measure the same speed of light. Are there other transformations, or other ways to setup a "space-time" that also have this property of invariance? Is the Lorentz transformation the unique solution?
  3. bella987

    Deriving the commutation relations of the Lie algebra of Lorentz group

    This is the defining generator of the Lorentz group which is then divided into subgroups for rotations and boosts And I then want to find the commutation relation [J_m, J_n] (and [J_m, K_n] ). I'm following this derivation, but am having a hard time to understand all the steps: especially...
  4. S

    I Solutions that break the Lorentz invariance...?

    I was reading a discussion where some physicists participated* where the topic of Lorentz invariance violations occurring in cosmology is mentioned. There, they mention that we can imagine a Lorentz-violating solution to the cosmological equations. What do they mean by that? Can anyone specify...
  5. U

    I Question on the Lorentz force: Why is the force not F=q(v×B) = F=qv×qB

    Background: is the equation of Lorentz force for the force acting on a moving charge in electric and magnetic field. For the magnetic field only it is : F=qv×B. Question: For magnetic field only why is the force not F=q(v×B) = F=qv×qB
  6. simonjech

    I Lorentz invariant phase space and cross section

    Can someone please explain to me how can we obtain this integral in eq. 5.27 from eq. 5.26? I quite do not understand how is it possible to make this adjustment and why the (p_(f))^2 appeared there in the numerator and also why a solid angle appeared there suddenly.
  7. E

    I Proof of Lorentz Gauge Existence: Help Understanding Schutz 8.3

    In Schutz 8.3, while proving that a Lorentz gauge exists, it is stated that $$\bar h^{(new)}_{\mu\nu} = \bar h^{(old)}_{\mu\nu} - \xi_{\mu,\nu} - \xi_{\nu,\mu} + \eta_{\mu\nu}\xi^\alpha_{,\alpha}$$ where ##\bar h## is the trace reverse and ##\xi^\alpha## are the gauge functions. Then it follows...
  8. D

    I Equation which is related with the Lorentz invariant quantities

    Hi every one.How can i prove the below equation? And then that it's Lorentz invariant quantitude ? Thanks for your help
  9. M

    I Lorentz Contraction & Twin Paradox

    The twin paradox is connected to the special relativity but I wonder simply if one might construct the paradox (or something very similar) based on the Lorentz’ (and FitzGerald) work alone? Several ingredients in the paradox, time dilation and Lorentz contraction, are often mentioned with...
  10. K

    I Newton's Gravity & Lorentz Contraction: Is Modification Needed?

    Newton's gravity depends on the euclidean distance between two masses. Two comoving frames will have different values of length between masses so the forces will be different in two frames. Is it enough to prove that the gravity rule has to be modified?
  11. S

    I Reconciling Lorentz Four-Force Density w/ Spacelike Four-Current (##c = 1##)

    (##c = 1##) The general definition of the four-current density is ##j^{\mu} = (\rho, \vec j)##, where ##\rho## is the charge density and ##\vec j## is the three-current density. This vector may be timelike, lightlike, or spacelike, because both positive and negative charges may be involved with...
  12. BadgerBadger92

    I Difference Between Lorentz Transformation & Special Relativity

    Sorry for the extra question. Just have a lot of questions lately and I know some people around here are annoyed with that.
  13. S

    B Lorentz Transformation of Electric & Magnetic Fields Visualized

    I made a tool for calculating and visualizing how the electric and magnetic fields transform under a Lorentz boost. Thought I'd share it here, in case anyone finds it interesting. https://em-transforms.vercel.app/
  14. J

    Lorentz Force In Capacitors

    I am searching online for resources regarding studies done on the effect of the Lorentz force due to short circuit faults in capacitors. Although a DC-link capacitor only sees the ripple, there would be high current during a fault. Since F=(qE + JxB), I am curious what the effects of the high...
  15. 4

    I Richard Feynman: Deriving Lorentz Mass Transformation

    In section 3.8, Feynman does a derivation of the Lorentz transformation for mass starting from $$\frac{d}{dt}E=F \cdot v \hspace{1cm}(1) $$ But is this a valid starting point if you are going to show mass changes with velocity? He says (1) comes from chapter 13 of his Lectures which he...
  16. alhuebel

    I Constraints on Lorentz Velocity Transformation

    1. The 2nd line on the 3rd page of your notes, you have x=ct and x'=ct', thus ux=dx/dt and ux'= dx'/dt' =c according to Einstein's assumptiuon. 2. But near the end of the last page, you wrote dx'/dt' = (ux -v)/(1-vux/c2) . Compare with 1. This equation can be valid only for ux=c and...
  17. A

    A What assumptions underly the Lorentz transformation?

    The Lorentz transform for velocities is as follows: $$u=\frac{v+w}{1+\frac{vw}{c^{2}}}$$ But which assumption exactly underlies this so that you get exactly this formula and not any other formula with approximately the same properties?
  18. S

    A Vacuum Transitions and Lorentz Symmetry Breaking

    There are several "bumblebee" models [1], [2] where Lorentz invariance is violated usually resulting from a local vector or tensor field acquiring a nonzero vacuum expectation value We do not know whether we are in the true vacuum state or in a "false"/metastable vacuum state that could decay...
  19. S

    I Could the Lorentz symmetry be theoretically broken in vacuum?

    In this paper [1] which considers the possibility that the Lorentz symmetry could be broken, at page 4-5 the author says: "We now introduce a Higgs sector into the Lagrangian density such that the gravitational vacuum symmetry, which we set equal to the Lagrangian symmetry at low temperatures...
  20. R

    Galilean transform and Lorentz transform questions

    I have a quick question about the Galilean transform. If I have Alice running and Bob stationary. The Galilean transform will tell me the position of Alice from Bob's stationary position. Also if I have Alice's position which is moving it will tell me Bob's stationary position. If I want Bob...
  21. David Lewis

    B Galilean vs Lorentz Transformations: Correct Understanding?

    In the frame of Observer C standing by the side of the road, the speed of Car A with respect to Car B = v1 + v2. (Galilean Transformation). In the frame of Car A, the speed of Car B < v1 + v2 (Lorentz Transformation). Please tell me if this understanding is correct.
  22. Samama Fahim

    I Deriving Lorentz Transformations: Hyperbolic Functions

    While deriving Lorentz transformation equations, my professor assumes the following: As ##\beta \rightarrow 1,## $$-c^2t^2 + x^2 = k$$ approaches 0. That is, ##-c^2t^2 + x^2 = 0.## But the equation of the hyperbola is preserved in all inertial frames of reference. Why would ##-c^2t^2 + x^2##...
  23. e2m2a

    I Understanding Lorentz Factor & Proper Time Invariance

    This is still a confusing concept for me. The Lorentz transformation for proper time is expressed as tau = (1-v sq/c sq)^1/2 x coordinate time. Now we are told that tau is an invariant quantity with respect to all moving reference frames. So how can tau be invariant if its value depends on v...
  24. Hamiltonian

    B Confusion in notation of Lorentz Transformations

    ##\bar{\mathcal{O}}## is moving with a velocity ##v## relative to ##\mathcal{O}## along ##x^{1}## The Lorentz transformations between a Frame ##\mathcal{O}## and ##\bar{\mathcal{O}}## is given by: $$\Delta x^{\bar{0}} = \gamma\left(\Delta x^0 - v\Delta x^1\right)$$ $$\Delta x^{\bar{1}} =...
  25. J

    I Lorentz equation

    I have another question linked to the equations of Lorentz: The Theory of the Special Relativity (SR) of Albert Einstein comes from the equation of Lorentz and we have the following equation on the time t’ in the moving frame: The “space time” (x’, y’, z’, t’) is moving at a speed v measured...
  26. Cyneron

    Finding Lorentz acceleration transformation for arbitrary direction

    Edit: Ugh accidentally posted instead of previewing, this is a lot of latex to write to give my attempted solution, but I'll keep doing that. I am using the chain rule (or dividing the differential of ##\vec v'## by that of ##t'##). I get $$d \vec v' = \frac{d \vec v \cdot \vec u}{\gamma c^2...
  27. J

    I Links between the Lorentz equations and SR/GR

    I have a question linked to the equations of Lorentz: The Theory of the Special Relativity (SR) of Albert Einstein comes from the equation of Lorentz and we have the following equation on the time t’ in the moving frame: The space time (x’, y’, z’, t’) is moving at a speed v measured from the...
  28. R3ap3r42

    Lorentz Transformation - Speeds relative to different observers

    Two spaceships are heading towards each other on a collision course. The following facts are all as measured by an observer on Earth: spaceship 1 has speed 0.74c, spaceship 2 has speed 0.62c, spaceship 1 is 60 m in length. Event 1 is a measurement of the position of spaceship 1 and Event 2 is a...
  29. R3ap3r42

    How can I calculate the speed of a π+ meson based on its decay distance?

    A π+ meson is an elementary particle with a mean lifetime, defined in its rest frame, of τ = 2.60×10−8 s. The meson decays to a muon (µ+) and a neutrino (νµ) via the reaction π+ → µ+ + νµ. A π+ traveling in the laboratory decays so that the µ+ travels in the same direction as the original π+ and...
  30. R3ap3r42

    Special relativity and Lorentz Transformation Exercise

    Summary:: Special relativity and Lorentz Transformations - I got this problem from a first-semester course at university. I have been struggling for a few days and decided to get some help. A rocket sets out from x = x' = 0 at t = t' = 0 and moves with speed u in the negative x'-direction, as...
  31. alexandrinushka

    B Why is Lorentz Ether Theory Hard to Rule Out?

    I am reading pretty much everywhere that LET (Lorentz Ether Theory, or call it Neo-Lorentzian Relativity, or whatever theory that involves a preferred undetectable frame with some yet unknown properties that make all the moving objects with respect to this frame length contact and time dilate)...
  32. ergospherical

    I Lorentz Transf. of Complex Null Tetrads: Formula (3.14-17)

    For a complex null tetrad ##(\boldsymbol{m}, \overline{\boldsymbol{m}}, \boldsymbol{l}, \boldsymbol{k})##, how to arrive at formulae (3.14), (3.15) and (3.17)? The equation (3.16) is clear as is. (I checked already that they work i.e. that ##\boldsymbol{e}_a' \cdot \boldsymbol{e}_b' = 2m'_{(a}...
  33. alan123hk

    B Special Relativity & Lorentz Transformation Q: Clock C2 Reading?

    I believe this does not belong to the homework category. I hope I won't be mistaken. I am reading a book to self-study special relativity, the following is an example mentioned in the book. When clock C' and clock C1 meet at times t'=t1=0, both clocks read zero. The Observer in reference frame...
  34. alan123hk

    B How to derive the Lorentz transformation in the simplest way?

    Is there the simplest, direct, and easy-to-understand method that only needs to apply the most basic algebra and logic to completely and strictly derive the Lorentz transformation? Thanks for your help.
  35. ergospherical

    I Lorentz Invariance of Q in Weinberg: Justifying Transformation

    If ##\partial_{\alpha} J^{\alpha}(x) = 0## then ##Q \equiv \displaystyle{\int} d^3 x J^t(x)## is time-invariant. To show that if ##J^{\alpha}(x)## is a four-vector then ##Q## is also Lorentz-invariant, he re-writes it as \begin{align*} Q = \int d^4 x J^{\alpha}(x) \partial_{\alpha} H(n_{\beta}...
  36. K

    I Assumption in the derivation of the Lorentz transformation

    In the special theory of relativity, it seems impossible to derive the lorentz transformation without assuming that the lorentz factor is independent of the sign of the relative velocity. For some reason, I can't get my head around why this assumption is so easily made, as if it's trivial. Can...
  37. ergospherical

    I Proving Lorentz Metric on Real Type (1,0;1,0) Tensors in Wald Ch. 13

    In ch. 13, pg.349 of Wald it's asked to prove that ##g_{AA'BB'} = \epsilon_{AB} \bar{\epsilon}_{A'B'}## is a Lorentz metric on ##V## (containing the real elements of the vector space ##Y## of type ##(1,0;1,0)## tensors). Given the basis ##t^{AA'} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(o^A \bar{o}^{A'} + \iota^A...
  38. S

    EMF due to Lorentz electric and magnetic forces

    Example of emf due to Lorentz magnetic force is motional emf. When rod PQ moves to the left, there will be downwards magnetic force acting on the positive charge in the rod PQ so point Q is at higher potential compared to point P so there will be potential difference (emf) between P and Q The...
  39. LarryS

    I The Lorentz Force in Q.E.D.?

    In Q.E.D., the electrical part of the Lorentz Force between unlike and like charged particles is realized through the absorption and emission of photons. How is the magnetic part of the Lorentz Force realized in Q.E.D. via photon activity? As always, thanks in advance.
  40. PainterGuy

    Lorentz transformation of electron motion

    Hi, It's not homework but I still thought I better post it here. Please have a look on the attachment. For hi-resolution copy, please use this link: https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/7840/CL6Ceq.jpg I think in equations labelled "12", 'e' is electric charge and Ex is the amplitude of...
  41. ilasus

    I Another interpretation of Lorentz transformations

    I consider three material points O, O', M, in uniform rectilinear motion in a common direction, so that in relation to the point O, the points O' and M move in the same direction with the constant velocities v and u (u>v>0). Assuming that at the initial moment (t0=0), the points O, O', M were in...
  42. bhobba

    I Lorentz Ether Theory: History & Explanation

    This is purely a historical question that came up in another thread. I always thought LET was the theory put forward by Lorentz that said the Lorentz-Fitzgerald formula contracts objects moving through the aether. Clocks slowed down due to a shortening of their components. Light was an...
  43. X

    Proper Lorentz transformations from group theory?

    Hi, I was looking at this derivation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derivations_of_the_Lorentz_transformations#From_group_postulates and I was wondering 1- where does the group structure come from? The principle of relativity? or viceversa? or what? 2- why only linear transformations? I remember...
  44. P

    Using Lorentz Force to derive V = E/B

    Suppose the E-field is ##-E_y\hat y##, and B-field is ##B\hat z##. Mass is ##m##. z | |_____x / y ##m(\ddot x \hat x + \ddot y \hat y) = q(-E_y \hat y + (v_x \hat x + v_y \hat y) \times B \hat z)## By grouping terms with ##\hat x## and ##\hat y## together, ##m\ddot x = -qv_yB##...
  45. L

    Maxwell Equations, Lorentz Force and Coulumb Force

    Here the 3 set of equations we know, the Maxwell Equations, Lorentz Force, and Coulumb Force, actually I doubt a lot what set of equations represent all the electromagnetic aspects, I try research over the internet and I found a lot of contradictions in the answers, someone says we can get the...
  46. Ale_Rodo

    Lorentz force acting upon an electron moving in a circle

    So as the summary suggests, I am studying Electromagnetism, magnetic properties of matter and Magnetization vector in particular. As a first example and to introduce the Magnetization vector (M), my textbook shows a ferromagnetic substance in a uniform magnetic field (B). Then, every atom of...
  47. D

    Cauchy's law from Lorentz model

    Hello fellow physicists, I need to prove that when ##\omega << \omega_0##, Lorentz equation for refractive indexes: ##n^2(\omega) = 1 + \frac {\omega^2_p} {\omega^2_0 - \omega^2}## turns into Cauchy's empirical law: ##n(\lambda)=A+\frac B {\lambda^2}## I also need to express A and B as a...
  48. D

    Refractive index less than one

    Hello fellow users, I've been given the Lorentz model to calculate the refraction index of a dielectric, the formula in its simplest way states that: ##n^2(\omega) = 1 + \frac {\omega^2_p} {\omega^2_0 - \omega^2}## Where ##\omega_p## is the plasma frequency and ##\omega_0## is the resonance...
  49. J

    Lorentz Velocity Addition Problem

    So for the formula, u'=u/(δ(1-(uv)/c^2) u=2.06E8 and v=0. I am only looking at the y components here. Since v=0 it really becomes u'=u/δ or u'= u*sqrt(1-(u^2)/c^2)). Anyways when I plug this in I am getting 1.49E8 when the answer should be 0.951E8. Am I not using the correct formula here?
  50. T

    I Time and Lorentz transformations

    Hello, why time is the fourth dimention and not another quantity or variable? General relativity has as a special case the special relativity, so Lorentz transformations are contained in general relativity but are they in a more general form than that of special relativity generally? If they...
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