Deriving Lorentz Transformation: Wave Eq Invariance & General Relativity

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SUMMARY

The Lorentz transformation is derived from the requirement of invariance of the wave equation, specifically through linear transformations that maintain the spacetime interval squared. Nonlinear transformations that also keep the wave equation invariant include conformal transformations, particularly special conformal transformations. The discussion emphasizes that solutions to general relativistic (GR) problems yield metrics rather than coordinate transformations, clarifying a common misconception. This highlights the distinction between metric solutions in GR and the transformations applicable to wave equations.

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  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations in physics
  • Familiarity with wave equation invariance
  • Knowledge of conformal transformations
  • Basic concepts of general relativity and metric tensors
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  • Research the mathematical foundations of Lorentz transformations
  • Explore the properties and applications of conformal transformations
  • Study the implications of metric solutions in general relativity
  • Investigate the relationship between wave equations and spacetime symmetries
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Physicists, mathematicians, and students of theoretical physics interested in the interplay between wave equations, transformations, and general relativity.

jk22
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I read the Lorentz transformation can be obtained by solving the requirement of invariance of the wave equation. If one considers linear transformations this the same as the spacetime interval squared to be invariant.

What are the other nonlinear transformations keeping the wave equation invariant ?
In particular shall solutions of general relativistic problems give one of those transformations ?
 
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jk22 said:
I read
Where?

the Lorentz transformation can be obtained by solving the requirement of invariance of the wave equation. If one considers linear transformations this the same as the spacetime interval squared to be invariant.

What are the other nonlinear transformations keeping the wave equation invariant?
If you mean electromagnetic waves, the answer is "conformal transformations",
in particular the so-called "special conformal transformations".

This recent thread is partially relevant, and contains links to more info on conformal transformations.

In particular shall solutions of general relativistic problems give one of those transformations?
I failed to any extract sensible meaning from this sentence. A "solution" of the GR field equations gives a metric, not a coordinate transformation.
 

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