Lorentz transformation Definition and 371 Threads

  1. M

    Proving L3 is a Lorentz Transformation

    Homework Statement L1 and L2 are two lorentz trasformation. show that L3=L1 L2 is a lorentz trasformation too. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  2. K

    Infinitesimal Lorentz transformation

    I have questions about the infinitesimal Lorentz transformation. but specifically about index manipulations. \Lambda^{\mu}_{}_{\nu}=\delta^{\mu}_{\nu}+\delta\omega^{\mu}_{}_{\nu} where \delta\omega^{\mu}_{}_{\nu} << 1 as found in many textbooks, we substitute this into...
  3. Y

    Question about applying the Lorentz Transformation to velocity 4-vectors

    My question deals not with the Lorentz Tranformation itself, but the matrix representation of it: I see readily how the space-time 4-vector: x^{\mu}=\left( c \ast t, x, y, z\right) transforms approptiately so that x^{\acute{\mu}}=\Lambda_{v}^{\acute{\mu}} \ast x^{\mu}=\left( \gamma \ast...
  4. L

    Lorentz transformation without the speed of light postulate

    My https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=297616" was a pretext to discuss the well-known fact that it is nearly possible to derive the full Lorentz transformation without taking into account the constancy of the speed of light. I went back to my physics hobby and read that in a few...
  5. B

    From the direct Lorentz transformation to the inverse one.

    from the "direct" Lorentz transformation to the "inverse" one. Consider please that we know the "direct" transformation say for the time coordinates of the same event. It is considered that we can obtain the "inverse" transfrmation by simply interchanging the corresponding unprimed physical...
  6. N

    Now it remains to be shown that A = B. I'll leave that to you.

    1. Start with the expression x'^2 + y'^2 _ z'^2 -c^2t'^2 and show, with the aid of the Lorentz transofmration, that this quantity is equal to x^2 + y^2 + z^2 -c^2t^2. This result establishes the invariance of s^2 defined by s^2 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 -c^2t^2 2. s^2 = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 -c^2t^2...
  7. Y

    Lorentz Transformation: Solving Homework Statement

    Homework Statement Two events occur at the same place in an inertial reference fram S, but are separated in time by 3 seconds. In a different frame S', they are separated in time by 4 seconds. (a) What is the distance between the two events as measured in S'? (b) What is the speed of S...
  8. M

    Derivation of Time Dilation and Length Contraction from Lorentz Transformation

    Hello there, a simple special relativity question, how can the Time Dilation and Length Contraction Formulas be derived from the Lorentz Transformation Equations?
  9. S

    Lorentz Transformation without length?

    The Lorentz Transformation tA = [tB+vxB/c^2]/sqrt(1-v^2/c^2) can be simplified to tA = tB (1-v)/sqrt(1-v^2), if we adopt these conventions: 1) Refer to v as a fraction of c. Thus every time we write v/c in the original formula, we write v, in the understanding that these v units...
  10. W

    Lorentz Transformation of Scalar Fields

    Homework Statement Working on an exercise from Srednicki's QFT and something is not clear. Show that [\varphi(x), M^{uv}] = \mathcal{L}^{uv} \varphi(x) where \mathcal{L}^{uv} = \frac{\hbar}{i} (x^u \partial^v - x^v \partial^u ) Homework Equations (1) U(\Lambda)^{-1} \varphi(x)...
  11. D

    Lorentz transformation in non-inertial frame

    I am doing some study about the lorentz transformation between non-inertial frames. I wonder if the tranformation is the same as in SR. I need to do the transformation of EM fields in a constantly rotational frame. Can anybody help me with this one. Is there anybook I can refer to? Many thanks.
  12. T

    Solving Lorentz Transformation Problems: Prove & Calculate Angle

    Can anybody please help me with the solutions for the following 2 probs- 1. Prove that Lorentz Transformation is rotation in 4D Minkowski's space. 2. If particle velocity is along x,y plane, calculate the angle transformation relation. Thanks in advance!
  13. B

    Lorentz transformation, Einstein transformation,Lorentz-Einstein transformation

    When it is about the "Lorentz transformations" I have in mind: There is indeed a state of real rest, defined by the ether. Hearing about "Einstein transformations" I would think: The notions of "really resting" and "really moving" are meaningless. Only relative motion of two or more uniformly...
  14. D

    The Transformation from S to S''Relative Speed Between Frames S and S

    Problem Write down the transformation from a frame S to a frame S' moving at +0.5 c in the x direction and then to another frame S'' moving at +0.5 c in the x direction relative to S'. What is the complete transformation from S to S''? What relative speed between frames S and S'' does your...
  15. A

    Analogue of Lorentz transformation in General Relativity.

    Can anybody tell me if there is anything analogous to Lorentz transformation in General Relativity (ie, in curved space)? If there is then what are the corresponding group generators and what is the corresponding algebra? I just wondered this question while reading about Lorentz group and I am...
  16. Peeter

    Question on Einstein's Simple derivation of Lorentz Transformation.

    In appendix 1 of Einstein's "Relativity, The Special and General Theory", a book intended for the general public, he gives a derivation of the Lorentz transformation. The math involved is pretty straightforward, but I wonder if anybody can clarify his reasoning for his equation 3 (below)...
  17. I

    Space Travel - Lorentz Transformation

    Space ship Alpha travels at t = 0 and v = 4/5 c to the star Sirius which is 8.6 light years away. One year later spaceship Delta starts at v = 9/10 c to the same star. Question 1: When does Delta overtake Alpha, as measured from Alpha's, Delta's and Earth's perspective? Question 2: At which...
  18. A

    How does Lorentz transformation manage to maintain the speed of light constant?

    Let's say, there are two observers A and B moving with respect to each other with relative velocity v. Now, when we say, the speed of light is same for every observer, does it mean that the speed of light measured by A and B in their own frames, as well as the other's frame will be same? That...
  19. C

    Is Lorentz transformation absolute

    An observer at the mid point between two frames A and B that are moving toward her, measures each of their speeds to be 0.75c. According to SR, the Lorentz transformation will determine the speed of A and B measured by the other to be less than 1.5c. (in fact less than c) Being aware of the...
  20. L

    Prove Lorentz Transformations: |E|>|cB| & Angle b/t E & B

    I need to show that: 1. if E is \perp to B in one Lorentz frame, it is \perp in all Lorentz frames 2. |E|>|cB| in L. frame, |E|>|cB| in all L. frame 3. Angle b/t E and B is acute/obtuse in L. frame, it is acute/obtuse in all L. frame 4. E is \perp to B but |E|\neq|cB|, then there is a frame...
  21. E

    How Long Does Light Take to Travel in Different Reference Frames?

    Homework Statement A spaceship has a speed of .8c relative to Earth. In its own reference fram, the length of this spaceship is 300m. a.) consider a light emiited from the tail of this spaceship. In the reference frame of the spaceship, how long does this pulse take to reach the nose> b.) In...
  22. E

    A question concerning the lorentz transformation derivation

    I have been studying the lorentz-transformation derivation but I can't quite get a proper answer as to why you can start with the assumption that: x' = ax + bt t' = cx + dt The assumption is that "the transformations must be linear". So my first question is, what does that mean, that a, b, c...
  23. W

    Lorentz transformation lab to CM system

    Which Lorentz transformation takes the lab system to the CM system? Lab system: p_a = (E^{lab}_a, \vec{p}_a) and p_b = (m_b, \vec{0}) CM system: p_a = (E^{CM}_a, \vec{p}) and p_b = (E^{CM}_b, -\vec{p}) For a binary reaction a+b->c+d, the textbooks I have say quite a lot about the...
  24. P

    Lorentz Transformation: Conservation of Inner Product?

    Is Lorentz transformation one kind of coordinate transformation? If so, the conservation of inner product, which is the primary property of Lorentz Transformation, is trivial, isn't it? The vector transforms in some way, the metric transforms in the inverse way, so the inner product defintely...
  25. A

    Galilean vs Lorentz transformation equations

    Let S' = a stationary two-dimensional space-time coordinate system, and let the x'-axis of S' lie along the x-axis of another stationary two-dimensional space-time coordinate system S. Let S' move along the x-axis of S with a constant velocity v = 29,800m/s in the direction of increasing x...
  26. O

    Derivation of Lorentz Transformation

    On this page, and in many, many other resources both in textbooks and online, derivations of time dilation and length contraction are given which lead to; \gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} t^{'}=\gamma t x^{'}=\frac{1}{\gamma}x Now a great many derivations of the Lorentz...
  27. W

    Light propagating at angle, under Lorentz transformation

    well, i have been going over this problem for about 4 hours and everytime i get closer and closer to some answer but I am never convinced i am right. THE PROBLEM: let lambda be the wavelength of light propagating in the x-y plane at an angle theta with respect to the x-axis in the (x,y,z,t)...
  28. T

    Lorentz transformation conclusion with rotation of axis

    Hi Guys, I've attached 2 pages from the book of landau "The Classical Theory of fields", I have a question about the lorentz transformations in pages 10,11 after reaching the step: tanh(psy)= V/c How did he split the latter into sinh(psy) and cosh(psy) and added the "gamma" constant...
  29. P

    Lorentz transformation active or passive?

    Is the lorentz transformation an active transformation or a passive one?
  30. O

    How to get inverse Lorentz tranformation from direct Lorentz transformation

    How to get inverse Lorentz tranformation from "direct" Lorentz transformation Hello, I am having trouble on deriving the inverse Lorentz transformation from the direct Lorentz transformation. I looked at some threads here and I found in here...
  31. K

    Derivation of Lorentz Transformation

    Hi, I don't fully understand the derivation of the Lorentz Transform. For example, in the transformation: t' = \gamma t - \gamma\frac{vx}{c^2} Where do you get the x-term from? I understand the derivation of gamma, and I see that when x = 0 (when the two frames coincide in origin)...
  32. D

    What Is the Linear Form of the Lorentz Transformation Equation?

    can anybody give me just equation of the transformation in a linear form ? without any complications just the equation of Lt. 10x
  33. C

    Lorentz Transformation Explained: What Is It?

    i am confused what a lorentz transformation really is or is it just a transformation described by the boost transformation.
  34. B

    Simple Lorentz transformation. Are there objections

    I find in some textbooks the following generalization of the Galileo transformations x=k(x'+vt') x'=k(x-vt) with the same k because if we transform from I to I' or from I' to I then the distortion factor of lengths or time intervals should be the same. Are there objections?
  35. B

    Direct and inverse Lorentz transformation

    When we state that: Knowing the direct Lorentz transformation we obtain the inverse one by changing the corresponding primed physical quantities with unpriomed ones and changing the sign of the relative velocity, we are based on what? Thanks
  36. B

    Inverse lorentz transformation question

    Homework Statement Suppose that an event occurs in inertial frame S with cooridinates x=75 m y=18 m ,z=4.0 m and t=2.0*10^-5 seconds . The inertial frame S' moves in the +x direction with v=c*.85 . The origins of S and S' coincided at t=t'=0. a)what are the coordinates of the event in S'...
  37. H

    Derivation Of Lorentz Transformation by Lawden

    I have been reading DF Lawden's nice book on tensor calculus and relativity. I keep going back to first chapter (p 9-11) as I did not 100% get his derivation of the "special" Lorentz transformation. He writes about a rotational transformation in one plane and then writes about a translational...
  38. B

    Relavistic velocity lorentz transformation problem.

    Homework Statement Two space ships are approaching each other a)if the speed of each is .9 *c relative to Earth , what is the speed of one relative to the other b)if the speed each relative to Earth is 30000m/s, what is the speed of one relative to the other Homework Equations The...
  39. P

    Lorentz Transformations in xy & xyz Directions | Pat

    So I'm looking at some Lorentz transformation equations and it says x'=\gamma(x-vt) t'=\gamma(t-vx/c^{2}) y'=y z'=z I'm assuming the values for y', y, z' and z only hold true when the inertial frames of S and S' are moving at a relative velocity in the x-direction. With this being said, what...
  40. B

    Deriving Lorentz Transformation: Is it Time-Saving & Physically Correct?

    Consider, please, that you have derived the Lorentz transformation for the space coordinates x=g(V)[x'+Vt'] (1) Taking into account that as a result of the Einstein clock synchroniation procvedure x/c=t, x'/c=t' we obtain dividing both sides of (1) by c...
  41. B

    When is a derivation of the Lorentz transformation good

    when is a derivation of the Lorentz transformation "good" There is an inflation of derivations of the Lorentz transformation from "simple", "fastest"... When is in your oppinion such a derivation good? In my oppinion it should fulfill the following conditions: 1. It should be based on the...
  42. P

    What Are SL(2,C) and SO(1,3) in Lorentz Transformations?

    When people discuss the Lorentz transformation, the start talking about "groups " of transformations SL(2,C), SO(1,3) etc. Looks impressive! Where can I learn this stuff too? I asked a similar question in the Linear Algebra section but it gets less traffic
  43. T

    QUeston on lorentz transformation

    Hey, I am new... A good friend of mine told me that i could come here if i ever needed help in physics... Well now is really a bad time to tell you guys this... but i have a final exam in 2 days... Im having a problem to solve this question maybe you could guide me some how Quote " A...
  44. B

    Lorentz transformation and lorentz-Einstein transformations

    I find in the literature of the subject: Lorentz transformations and Lorentz-Einstein transformations. The use of one or of the other could lead to a difference in interpretation? Thanks
  45. D

    Relativity : Lorentz Transformation.

    Homework Statement Star Trek Question: An enemy Klingon spaceship moves away from Earth at a speed of 0.80c. The Starship Enterprise gives chase and pursues at a speed of 0.90c relative to the Earth. Observers on Earth see the Starship Enterprise overtaking the enemy ship at a relative speed...
  46. K

    Simultaneity in Special Relativity and lorentz transformation

    How do I derive the equation for Simultaneityfrom one of the lorentz transformation. If you can help me with that, please help with time dilation as well. The textbook focused mainly on the mathematically derivation without using the lorentz transformations, and I cannot find any answers...
  47. L

    Why was Lorentz transformation known before Einstein explained clock synchronisation

    The constancy of the speed of ligth is a result of the Maxwell's equations. And the Lorentz transformation is an invariance of Maxwell's theory that was known before the special theory of relativity was discovered. Why and how did the physics of the 19th century (particularly Maxwell) built...
  48. J

    How is the Lorentz transformation derived and what does vx/c² signify?

    Can i know how does the Lorentz transformation equations are derived? x'=Y(x-vt) y'=y z'=z t'=Y(t-vx/c^2) Especially the equation for t', what is term vx/c^2 there implies? thank you for answering me. -Jeno-
  49. B

    How Does Velocity Addition in Special Relativity Ensure u' Remains Less Than c?

    Consider two reference frames, S and S', moving with speed v (<c) with respect to one another along the x direction. If a certain object moves with velocity u (u<c) with respect to S, and velocity u' with respect to S', use the velocity addition equations (in three dimensions) to show that u'<c.
  50. robphy

    World's Fastest DerivationS of the Lorentz Transformation?

    Still the "World's Fastest Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation" http://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0606046 ...apparently in response to A faster than "World fastest derivation of the Lorentz transformation" http://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0602153 , ...which is apparently a challenge to...
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