Lorentz factor Definition and 58 Threads

I have only a rudimentary knowledge of the subject and would like more info about: 1) The consequences of faster-than-light speed. I noticed that \gamma would then involve complex numbers, and seeing as complex analysis is definitely more than imaginary, I was wondering what it could...

Hello, my name is Ivan and I come from Italy, so sorry for my English. I propose a simple argument that leads to the Lorentz factor. It seems to me far more orthodox (of course, I'm talking about the simplifications) of the theorem of Pythagoras to the known motion of the mirror that reflects...

Homework Statement Wikipedia states that the Maclaurin Series expansion of the Lorentz factor is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_factor" Homework Equations Relevant equations are all found in that article The Attempt at a Solution I don't see how this comes about. My attempt...

Does the Lorentz factor show up much (or at all) in general relativity? For instance, is it appropriate to use it as part of the four-momentum vector when finding the components of the stress-energy tensor even in a non-flat spacetime? I was wondering because the derivations of it that I've...

Homework Statement I am trying to show how the Lorentz factor is derived but i am unsure how to get past a certain stage.. 2. Homework Equations / attempt Let: c = velocity of light. v = the velocity as observed from where time t is measured. D = distance AB. t = time light occupies to...

I Recently Went Through The Derivation Of The Lorentz Transformations Again... I'm Reading A Book By Einstein On Sr And Gr. It Came To Me That Instead Of Using Only K And K1 Frames When Explaining The Vertical Mental Experiment Of K1 With A Mirror Placed Vertically Above It At A Distance L And...

I looked up Twin Paradox, and I understand the concept of time in SR, and also understand the Einstein synchronization convention concept, but now there is just something I don't get here: I looked at twin paradoxes and apparently you must use the Lorentz factor (or it's inverse, anyway) to...

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 (-1/2) (1-v^2/c^2)^{-3/2} but a forum on this website says it is (-1/2) (1-v^2/c^2)^{-3/2} ( \frac{-2v}{c^2} dv/dt)...