Lorentz Definition and 1000 Threads

  1. M

    London theory, Landau theory and Lorentz Einstein law

    London theory, Landau theory... and Lorentz Einstein law I am trying to learn all I can about superconductivity and discovered an interesting document in Internet. Does the Lorentz Einstein law hold true for the supercurrent : 1) of the London approach? js = ... ∂θ/∂r - A where θ is the...
  2. L

    Form of Lorentz Transformation Using West-Coast Metric

    This is a fairly trivial question I think. I'm only asking it here because after some googling I was unable to find its answer. I was at one point led to believe that the form of the Lorentz-transformation matrix is dependent on the convention used for the Minkowski metric. Specifically it...
  3. P

    Hypothetical implication of Lorentz contraction

    Would it be possible for a truck, measuring 5ft tall when stationary, to pass under a 4ft barrier by accelerating towards the speed of light? If so what would a spectator see if standing next to the barrier, would the spectator see the truck shrink? What would you see of the barrier from the...
  4. A

    Lorentz velocity transformation problem

    An observer on Earth observes two spacecraft moving in the same direction toward the Earth. Spacecraft A appears to have a speed of 0.50c, and spacecraft B appears to have a speed of 0.80c. What is the speed of spacecraft A measured by an observer in spacecraft B?So if S is the reference...
  5. P

    What is Lorentz transformation?

    Iv been reading about general and special relativity and then I came across Lorentz transformation but I can't seem to find out what it is could you please help
  6. ShayanJ

    Lorentz covariance and Noether's theorem

    Not sure its in the right place or not.If its not,sorry. The relativity postulate of special relativity says that all physical equations should remain invariant under lorentz transformations And that includes Lagrangian too. So it seems we have a symmetry(which is continuous),So by Noether's...
  7. L

    How did Lorentz come up with his ether theory?

    I'm quite confused on this. According to Lorentz's ether theory, he used the immobile stationary ether as an absolute frame of reference. In that case, why would the Lorentz transforms be required, since there are no relative reference frames?
  8. D

    Understanding the Lorentz Group: What does O(1,3) mean?

    I am totally confused about the Lorentz Group at the moment. According to wikipedia, the Lorentz group can be defined as the General Orthogonal Lie Group##O(1,3)##. However, the definition of the GO Lie Group that I know only works when there is a single number inside the bracket, not 2, e.g...
  9. H

    Understanding Lorentz Transformation of Spin 4-Vector

    I have a problem understanding the Lorentz transformation of the spin. The spin 4-vector is defined in the rest frame of the particle as s^{\mu} = (0, \vec{s}) and then boosted in any other frame according to s'^{\mu} = (\gamma \vec{\beta} \cdot \vec{s}, \vec{s} +...
  10. Vorde

    Understanding the Lorentz Factor

    Is it fair to call the lorentz factor the derivative of measured time relative to proper time? I've seen the lorentz factor equated twice now to \frac{dt}{d\tau} and I wanted to know whether that was a legitimate way to look at it. Thank you
  11. M

    Lorentz force? & Magnetic fields

    Greetings everyone(New guy here!). I wanted to know something about "Lorentz force". A magnetic force causes a loop carrying current to rotate and torque is created due to those forces. Are magnetic fields doing work in this cause? Based upon this law: [SIZE="4"]F = q(E + v + B)...
  12. H

    What is the Lorentz invariance of power?

    Power, defined as P = dE/dt is Lorentz invariant according to http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/em/lectures/node130.html, Eq. 1645 But, considering another equation for the power, P = q E v, where E and v are electric field and velocity vectors, respectively; this is obviously not the...
  13. R

    Hyperbolic relations in deriving Lorentz transformations

    Preface to my question: I can assure you this is not a homework question of any kind. I simply have a pedagogical fascination with physics outside of my own studies in school. Also, I did a quick search through the forum and could not find a question similar enough to what I want to know, so i...
  14. M

    The Lorentz transformation matrix properties

    Hello, As known, any Lorentz transformation matrix \Lambda must obey the relation \Lambda^\mu~_\nu\Lambda^\rho~_\sigma g_{\mu \rho}=g_{\nu \sigma}. The same holds also for the inverse metric tensor g^{\nu \sigma} which has the same components as the metric tensor itself (don't really...
  15. N

    The Proper Time in Lorentz Space: Is it Infinite for the Resting Twin?

    We know, when m=0, the schwarzschild space time becomes lorentz space time. Then, the proper time taken by one twin (A) to travel around the massive body in lorentz space while the other twin at rest can not be defined or it will be infinite. Is that true?
  16. PolywellGuy

    Why the magnetic moment not included in the Lorentz Force equation.

    A charged particle - like an electron - has a magnetic moment. This moment changes depending on where the electron is. If you apply a magnetic field to an object with a magnetic moment, it experiences a torque. It turns. This turning motion is not included in the overall motion of the...
  17. P

    Lorentz invariant theory, irreducible representations

    "In a Lorentz invariant theory in d dimensions a state forms an irreducible representation under the subgroups of SO(1,d-1) that leaves its momentum invariant." I want to understand that statement. I don't see how I should interpret a state as representation of a group. I have learned that...
  18. T

    Conceptual question about Lorentz transformations

    I am a newcomer to relativity, currently studying the subject on my own, via Modern Physics by Bernstein et al. I have a question based on pgs 57-58 of the text. Suppose that two reference frames S and S' are similarly oriented, and S' is moving with constant velocity v in the positive...
  19. E

    Lorentz invariance of chirality

    Hi folks, I've been reading into the concepts of chirality & helicity and often I find a statement that chirality is Lorentz invariant in contrast to helicity (which of course depends on the frame). BUT I don't see in which way chirality IS Lorentz invariant. For massless particles things...
  20. S

    How to get time dilation & length contraction from Lorentz transform?

    OK, I've found a great explanation of the derivation of the Lorentz transformation, with x' = γ [ x - v t ] t' = γ [ t - ( v / c2 ) x ] so if I take the other term as 0, there is x'( t = 0 ) = γ x t'( x = 0 ) = γ t but the problem is that the time dilation & length...
  21. D

    Understanding Space Homogeneity & Lorentz Transformations

    I often read sentences like, "if space is homogeneous, then the Lorentz transformation must be a linear transformation." What exactly does it mean to say that space is homogeneous, and how does it imply that the Lorentz transformations are linear?
  22. J

    Instantaneous rest-frame no Lorentz force

    Is it valid to analyse the equation of motion of an electron in its instantaneous rest-frame in which it feels a force from the electric field only with no magnetic Lorentz force component?
  23. G

    Lorentz transform of a scalar in QM

    If you Lorentz transform a scalar: U^{-1}(\Lambda)\phi(x)U(\Lambda)=\phi(\Lambda^{-1}x) If you now perform another Lorentz transform, would it it look like this: U^{-1}(\Lambda')U^{-1}(\Lambda)\phi(x)U(\Lambda)U(\Lambda')=\phi(\Lambda'^{-1}\Lambda^{-1}x) ? But isn't this wrong...
  24. B

    Is My Lorentz Transformation Calculation Correct?

    Problem in Lorentz transformation(Urgent!) 1. Homework Statement Please see the attached file and advise me my solution is right or not! Thanks! 2. Homework Equations ~ d/t = v ~ Lorentz transformation : x'=(x-Vt)/(√(1-(V^2)/c^2), t' = [t-(V^2)/(c^2)]/√1-(V^2)/c^2), 3. The...
  25. B

    Are Lorentz Transformations Empirical Laws?

    Homework Statement Are the Lorentz transformations empirical laws? If so, are they empirically testable? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I'm guessing they are. But how do you test the LT?
  26. E

    Is the Charge Q Lorentz Invariant in Quantum Field Theory?

    Hi all, I'm studying quantum field theory and I'm watching video lectures on Harward University website (Professor Colemann's lectures). Now, in lesson number six at 1h-6 minute a student asks why after trasforming field by a Lorentz transformation he doesn't transform also integration...
  27. T

    Lorentz Force: Coupling w/Maxwell's Eqs

    Essentially I'm wondering about coupling with Maxwell's equations. It seems that, for application of the Lorentz force equation to make sense, the E and B fields used should not include the E and B fields generated by the charge in question, since a charge won't exert force on itself. However...
  28. M

    Concerning the 1920 Einstein Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation

    I have been reading Lieber's book "The Einstein Theory of Relativity" which describes the derivation of the Lorentz Transformations: archive.org/details/einsteintheoryof032414mbp -- see pages 39-56 bartleby.com/173/a1.html The entire derivation makes no sense, whatsoever. Why is it...
  29. G

    Understanding Complex Group Parameters for SO(4) Lorentz Algebra

    When you rewrite the angular momentum generators Ji and boost generators Kj in terms of the linear combinations N±i=Ji±iKi, does this mean that your group parameters can now be complex? So for example a group element R can be written as: R(z_1,z_2)=\exp[i(z_1 N^+ +z_2 N^-)] where the z's...
  30. Z

    Question on Lorentz contraction and size of pancakes

    Question on Lorentz contraction and size of "pancakes" I have read that nucleons (protons in particular) appear to look like flattened "pancakes" hitting each other due to the lorentz contraction when crashed together at high speeds. Do any of the colliders give a hint at the "size" of the...
  31. A

    Lorentz gamma factor in a decay of arbitrary leptons

    Homework Statement Show that the Lorentz gamma factor in the decay K^+ \rightarrow l^+ \nu_l can be written as \gamma = \frac{m_K^2 + m_l^2}{2m_K m_l} where nu is either e or mu. The Attempt at a Solution I'm stuck on a part of the proof. I think I understand most of it...
  32. E

    Field transformation under Lorentz group

    Hi! In Weinberg's book "The quantum theory of fields", chapter2, it states that the transformation of a massive particle is U(\Lambda)\Psi_{p,\sigma}= N\sum\mathcal{D}^{(j)}_{\sigma',\sigma}(W)\Psi_{\Lambda p,\sigma'} where W is an element in the little-group SO(3). But than it states that...
  33. A

    Understanding the Lorentz Equation: Clarifying the Confusion

    I am confused of how to derive the Lorentz equation x = vt+x'/γ...if x' is the distance to an event according to O' and x is the distance to that same event according to O, then shouldn't the last term be x'γ not x'/γ, since x' is already contracted according to O, so to relate it to x, we would...
  34. A

    Derivation of lorentz transformation?

    I would like to know a simple way of understanding how to derive the Lorentz transformation equations. My book states them without proof and on websites I only see complicated proofs that I am not mathematically ready for yet. Ok so I think i understand x'=γ(x-vt), but let me say it in my own...
  35. Z

    Does a stationary electron in magnetic field experience Lorentz force?

    Homework Statement If an electron is stationary in a magnetic field, will it experience a Lorentz force? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution The total vector force (Lorentz force - F) is F = Fe + Fm = Q(E + u X B) The Lorentz force can also be written in terms of...
  36. K

    Time dilation - Lorentz transformation using light clock

    Homework Statement I am trying to derive the time dilation formula using Pythagorean theorem: L = ct (in clocks rest frame) D = ct'(in observer's frame, the clock moving with velocity u) The Attempt at a Solution So D^2 = L^2 +v^2t^2 c^2{t'}^2=c^2t^2+u^2t^2 Sot'=t*\sqrt{1+v^2/c^2}...
  37. D

    Axial anomaly and broken Lorentz invariance

    I had a look at Jackiws article on axial anomaly in scholarpedia: http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Axial_anomaly Apparently, axial anomaly also breaks Lorentz invariance. Even if this effect would be very weak, doesn't this pull the plug on relativity?
  38. N

    Difference between Lorentz and Einstein

    For Dalespam: The difference between Lorentz and Einstein is that the transformation is only applicable to one frame and must be fully inverse for the moving frame. Lorentz transform into the moving frame but invert the calculation to arrive back at the stationary one. The transformation is...
  39. J

    Lorentz Vs. Einstein Who Wins?

    Lorents and Einstein both made equations to describe time dialation. One of these equations was used in quantum mechanics, the other equation was then used in cosomology. These equations then made two new areas in physics. One describes one area of physics and the other describes an area of...
  40. K

    Lorentz Transform Derivation questions

    I'm trying to follow along with Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation, but am having some hurdles. I'll be referring to step (5) which states: x'=ax-bct ct'=act-bx In paragraph marked 6, I see that the author tries to get eqn (5) to describe motion of the K' frame. This is an...
  41. K

    Is math valid in step 5 of Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation

    I started to study Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation In this derivation, I gather that there are two rays of light being tracked--one going to the right of the origin and one going to the left of the origin. The right-going light is described by x=ct and x'=ct'. The...
  42. H

    Special Relativity (1-dimensional Lorentz Transformation)

    Homework Statement During class today, I was told that: x' = γ(x-vt) y' = y z' = z t' = γ[t-(v/c2)x], where γ=(1-v2/c2)-1/2 (This is just the standard Lorentz transformation.) Then I was told that we could find dx/dt, the inertial velocity, by finding dx' and dt' and dividing...
  43. A

    Special Relativity. How to use the Lorentz Transformation?

    γHomework Statement Stan is at rest on the Earth while Mary is moving away from the Earth at a constant speed of 0.600c. Stan and Mary start their timers when Mary passes Stan (in other words, t = t' = x = x' = 0 at that instant). (a) When Mary has traveled a distance of 0.900 *108m...
  44. J

    Plot Real & Imaginary Dielectric Function: Lorentz Model

    Plot the real & imaginary parts of dielectric function.
  45. H

    Covariant and noncovariant Lorentz invariants

    It recently came to my attention that there exists two "kinds" of Lorentz invariants: the covariant and the noncovariant ones. The covariant ones would be Lorentz scalars e.g. fully contracted Lorentz tensors. If one applies the Lorentz transformation to a covariant Lorentz scalar, one would...
  46. S

    Confused by proof of Lorentz properties from invariance of interval

    I've seen a few short proofs that if that some transformation \Lambda preserves the spacetime interval, then \Lambda^\top g \Lambda = g where g is the spacetime metric. They have all relied on an argument using some simple algebra to show that (\Lambda^\top g \Lambda) x \cdot x = g x...
  47. W

    Generators for Lorentz transformations

    Consider Minkowski spacetime with signature (-+++) and coordinates (ct,x,y,z) with respect to the standard orthogonal basis. I'm looking for the smallest set of matrices that can generate any Lorentz transformation with respect to this basis. I came up with 8 matrices (see below). Am I missing...
  48. C

    Time Contraction in Lorentz Transforms?

    The question I have is to do with the Relativity of Simultaneity of the type described by Einsten; whereby two light emitters are placed pulsing once every millisecond on board a spaceship traveling at the speed of light. One of these lights faces forward and the other faces aft. If time dilates...
  49. J

    How Do Lorentz Transformations Affect Light Signal Velocities?

    Homework Statement Consider a light signal propagating in some arbitrary direction, with vx \neq 0 vy \neq 0 vz \neq 0 and vx2 + vy2 + vz2 = c2 Use the Lorentz transformation equations for the components of velocity to show that v'x2 + v'y2 + v'z2 = c2 Homework...
  50. S

    Lorentz Law field equation applied in a field

    Homework Statement An electron is traveling at 5.0 × 106 m s−1 directly into the page at the point P shown in Figure 3. P is 4.0 cm from O. Again, D = 10 cm and the current i in each wire has magnitude of 1.0 A with the directions that you found in part (c). Find the magnitude and direction of...
Back
Top