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Looks good.
The discussion focuses on the derivation of hyperbolic representations from the Lorentz and Minkowski equations in special relativity. Key equations include the algebraic form: (1) (ct)² - x² = (ct')² - (x')², and the hyperbolic form: (4) ct' = -x sinh(θ) + ct cosh(θ). Participants emphasize the invariance of the Minkowski metric and the relationship between rapidity and hyperbolic functions, specifically sinh and cosh. The conversation highlights the challenges in transitioning from algebraic to hyperbolic forms and the need for clarity in the definitions and relationships of these equations.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of special relativity, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of spacetime and hyperbolic geometry.
<br /> <br /> I explained all of the above https://www.physicsforums.com/blog.php?b=1911 , in my blog, there is a whole chapter dedicated to "accelerated motion in SR".stevmg said:starthaus -
If one takes the Lorentz equatons:
x' = \gamma(x - vt)
t' = \gamma(t - vx) where v really is \beta
and substitutes them into the Minkowski identity
c^2t'^2 - x'^2 = c^2t^2 - x^2
We wind up with an identity (either way) and a hyperbola is suggested
c^2t^2 - x^2 = a^2
This a^2 looks like \tau^2. Is that so? It doesn't make sense that a would be proper time.
You previously stated an equation c^2 d \tau^2 = c^2 dt^2 - dx^2
This is clearly not the same thing.
What does the a^2 represent? Is there anyway of relating it to v and \gamma [/tex]?
You can write it that way, if your \Lambda isstevmg said:To anyone -
Would this be proper notation?
\begin{pmatrix}x' \\ t'\end{pmatrix} = \Lambda \begin{pmatrix}x \\ t\end{pmatrix}
\begin{bmatrix}x' \\ t'\end{bmatrix} = \Lambda \begin{bmatrix}x \\ t\end{bmatrix}
stevmg
The "itex" tags don't work as well as they should. Many formulas get their top cut off. For example A^T, \vec V and \sqrt{2} look like this in itex tags: A^T, \vec V and \sqrt{2}. Hm, that "T" looks better than it used to. If you see stuff get cut off when you preview, change the itex tags to tex tags, and consider putting the math expression on a line of its own, like this:stevmg said:a square root with a long top bar
Yes, I forgot the gamma.stevmg said:Many thanks, Fredrik
?\Lambda= \gamma \begin{pmatrix}1 & -v\\ -v & 1\end{pmatrix} ?
stevmg
Well here is where it all starts:stevmg said:In your thinking what do they represent in SR? There's an invariance but how do we use that?
yuiop said:Doc has expressed an interest in how the hyperbolic representation of SR relates to a purely trigonometric representation.
In the attached drawing, the following relations are illustrated on the chart on the right with the circular plots:
sin(\theta) = \Delta x / \Delta y = v
cos(\theta) = 1 / \gamma
sec(\theta) = \gamma
tan(\theta) = \Delta x / \Delta \tau = v\gamma = w
where w is the proper velocity or celerity.
These can be compared to the analogous hyperbolic representations:
tanh(U) = v
cosh(U) = \gamma
sinh(U) = w
where U is twice the area shaded in yellow on the hyperbolic chart on the left and this area is proportional to the rapidity.
The slope of the brown diagonal line in the hyperbolic chart on the left is equal to the ordinary velocity, while the slope of the diagonal line in the trigonometric chart on the right, is equal to the proper velocity.
While constructing these charts I noticed the following interesting analogue between the hypotenuse in trigonometry and a quantity I will call simply hyph in hyperbolic geometry.
In trigonometry, the length of the hypotenuse is defined as:
\sqrt{adj^2 + opp^2}
In hyperbolic geometry, the analogous hyph is here defined as:
\sqrt{adj^2 - opp^2}
with the limitation that for real quantities, adj>opp.
Hyph is then where a hyperbolic curve passing through the point (x,y) = (adj,opp) intercepts the x axis, or equivalently where hyperbolic curve passing through the point (x,y) = (opp,adj) intercepts the y axis.
With the above definition, the hyperbolic functions can be represented by:
sinh(U) = \frac{opp}{hyph}
cosh(U) = \frac{adj}{hyph}
tanh(U) = \frac{opp}{adj}
which are obviously analogous to the trigometric functions:
sin(\phi) = \frac{opp}{hyp}
cosh(\phi) = \frac{adj}{hyp}
tanh(\phi) = \frac{opp}{adj}
The above relationship between hyph and hyp is illustrated in the second attached diagram.