Derivation of Lorentz Transformation for Acceleration

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the Lorentz transformation for acceleration from the known transformation for velocity. The participant expresses confusion about differentiating the position and time transformations, specifically regarding how to treat the components of acceleration. They consider using the change in velocity over the change in time to find the desired transformation. Clarification is sought on the differentiation process, emphasizing the need to understand the relationship between the variables involved. The conversation highlights the complexities of applying calculus concepts within the framework of special relativity.
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Homework Statement


Starting with the Lorentz transformation for the components of the velocity, derive the transformation for the components of acceleration.

Homework Equations


Lorentz Transformation for position and time :
##x'={\gamma}(x - vt)##
##t'={\gamma}(t - {\frac{vx}{c^2}})##
Resulting transformation by taking ##{\frac{dx'}{dt'}}##
##u'_x={\frac{u_x-v}{1-{\frac{vu_x}{c^2}}}}##

The Attempt at a Solution


Before I go through the trouble of typing out my attempt in LaTex (I'm on my phone), let me make sure I'm going at this right because I think I'm over thinking this and now its all twisted in my head.
Based on what they did to get the velocity transformation, I should be able to just take ##du'_x## and divide by the same ##dt'## used in the velocity transformation? Because it should be CHANGE of velocity over change in time. So ##{\frac{du'_x}{dt'}}## should give me what I want right?EDIT: I've refined my confusion.

Its about how they are getting dx' and dt'.
They are given as:
##dx'= {\gamma}(dx - vdt)##
##dt'={\gamma}(dt - {\frac{vdx}{c^2}})##

I'm not sure what they are differentiating with respect to so I don't know how to treat ##u'_x## as far as differentiation goes. I'm assuming(hoping) that my confusion is a result of the my notions of classical mechanics not being consistent here and not a result of losing my grip on Cal 1 stuff.
 
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It does seem that you are losing your grip on calculus. ##x'## and ##t'## are functions of ##x## and ##t##, so their total differentials will be linear forms of total differentials ##dx## and ##dt##.
 
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