Check invariance under rotation group in spacetime

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The discussion focuses on demonstrating the covariance of an equation under Lorentz transformations, particularly in the context of spacetime and rotation groups. The initial equations involve transformations of differentials and momenta, with an emphasis on the relationship between the transformed variables and their invariance properties. The participants express confusion about the distinction between invariance and covariance, suggesting that the term "invariance" may be more accurately described as "form invariance." Key points include the necessity of understanding how various quantities transform under Lorentz transformations and the importance of using appropriate transformation properties to establish covariance. The conversation highlights the complexity of these transformations and the need for clarity in definitions and properties.
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Homework Statement
Check invariance under rotation group in spacetime of a relativistic Newton equation of a charged particle in e-m field with Lorentz force.
Relevant Equations
##\frac{dp^\mu}{ds}=\frac{e}{c}F^{\mu \nu} u_\nu##
I started by inserting ##ds=\sqrt{dx'^{\mu} dx'_{\mu}}## and ##p'^{\mu}=mc \frac{dx'^{\mu}}{ds}##.
So we have:
$$\frac{dp'^{\mu}}{ds}=mc \frac{d}{dx'^{\mu}} \frac{d}{dx'_{\mu}} (x'^{\mu})$$
Now I know that
##dx'^{\mu}=C_\beta \ ^\mu dx^\beta##
and
##dx'_{\mu}=C^\gamma \ _\mu dx_\gamma##
where ##C## is the transformation and ##C_\beta \ ^\mu C^\gamma \ _\mu = \delta^\gamma _\beta##.
Taking this, we have
$$\frac{dp'^{\mu}}{ds}=mc \frac{d}{C_\beta \ ^\mu dx^\beta C^\gamma \ _\mu dx_\gamma} (x'^{\mu})=mc \frac{d}{dx^\beta dx_\beta} (x'^{\mu})=mc \frac{d}{ds} (x'^{\mu})$$

And now if I were to write ##x'^{\mu}=C_\delta \ ^\mu dx^\delta##, this equation wouldn't be an invariant but I think it should be.
 
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I'm a bit puzzled, what is really asked? You have an equation which is manifestly covariant under Lorentz transformations. Since the rotations form a subgroup of the Lorentz group, it's also covariant under rotations.

NB: I guess "invariance" here should read "covariance" or "invariance" is in fact "form invariance" which is synonymous with "covariance" ;-))
 
vanhees71 said:
I'm a bit puzzled, what is really asked? You have an equation which is manifestly covariant under Lorentz transformations. Since the rotations form a subgroup of the Lorentz group, it's also covariant under rotations.

NB: I guess "invariance" here should read "covariance" or "invariance" is in fact "form invariance" which is synonymous with "covariance" ;-))

I'm sorry, English is not my first language so the translation might be a little bit clanky and I assume you must be right.
So let me try rephrasing it - I have to show that this equation is covariant under Lorentz transformations using the following properties:
## A_\alpha=C_\alpha \ ^\beta A'_\beta##
##A^\alpha=C^\alpha \ _\beta A'^\beta##
##A'_\alpha=C^\beta \ _\alpha A_\beta##
##A'^\alpha=C_\beta \ ^\alpha A^\beta##
##C^\gamma \ _\alpha C_\gamma \ ^\beta=\delta_\alpha ^\beta##
##C_\alpha \ ^\gamma C^\beta \ _\gamma=\delta_\alpha ^\beta##
##\frac{\partial}{\partial x_\alpha}=C^\alpha \ _\beta \frac{\partial}{\partial x'_\beta}##
##\frac{\partial}{\partial x'_\alpha}=C _\beta \ ^\alpha \frac{\partial}{\partial x_\beta}##
(I don't have to use all of them, obviously.)

I've tried to go from ##\frac{dp'^{\mu}}{ds}## to ##\frac{dp^{\mu}}{ds}## but that didn't work as seen in my attempt above.
 
Well, for the left-hand side you first need to deduce, how ##p^{\mu}## and ##s## transform under Lorentz transformations, and on the right-hand side ##q## and ##F^{\mu \nu}## as well as ##u_{\nu}##. So just think about the definition of the various quantities and their transformation properties under Lorentz transformations.
 

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