Differentiating Lorentz factor with respect to time

In summary, the user is seeking help with differentiating the Lorentz factor with respect to time. They have arrived at an answer but are unsure about a forum's solution. Another user explains the use of the chain rule and provides the correct solution. The original user expresses gratitude for the help.
  • #1
anantchowdhary
372
0

Homework Statement


I would like some help on differentiating the lorentz factor with respect to time


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i arrived at [tex] (-1/2) (1-v^2/c^2)^{-3/2} [/tex]
but a forum on this website says it is [tex] (-1/2) (1-v^2/c^2)^{-3/2} ( \frac{-2v}{c^2} dv/dt)[/tex]

Please help!
 
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  • #2
You want [tex]\frac{d}{dt}(1-v^2/c^2)^{-1/2}[/tex]. Using the chain rule, this is equal to [tex] \frac{d}{dv}(1-v^2/c^2)^{-1/2}\frac{dv}{dt}=\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)\left(\frac{-2v}{c^2}\right)(1-v^2/c^2)^{-3/2}\frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

Does that help?
 
  • #3
Thnx a ton cristo!Just cudnt think about it
 

Related to Differentiating Lorentz factor with respect to time

1. What is the Lorentz factor?

The Lorentz factor is a term in special relativity that describes the relationship between time, space, and velocity. It is represented by the symbol γ (gamma) and is used to calculate how much time, length, and mass change for an object moving at a high velocity compared to an observer at rest.

2. Why is it important to differentiate the Lorentz factor with respect to time?

Differentiating the Lorentz factor with respect to time allows us to understand how the factor changes as time passes. This is crucial in understanding how time and space are affected by an object's velocity, and how this affects our perception of time and space.

3. How do you differentiate the Lorentz factor with respect to time?

To differentiate the Lorentz factor with respect to time, we use the chain rule. We take the derivative of the numerator (velocity) and multiply it by the derivative of the denominator (speed of light). This gives us the rate of change of the Lorentz factor with respect to time.

4. What is the physical significance of differentiating the Lorentz factor with respect to time?

Differentiating the Lorentz factor with respect to time helps us understand the effects of high velocities on time and space. It allows us to calculate the time dilation and length contraction experienced by an object moving at high speeds, and how these effects change as time passes.

5. How does the Lorentz factor change as time passes?

The Lorentz factor is inversely proportional to the speed of light. This means that as an object's velocity increases, the Lorentz factor decreases. As time passes, the Lorentz factor approaches 1, which means that the effects of time dilation and length contraction become less significant as an object's velocity decreases.

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