Difference Between Lorentz Transformation & Special Relativity

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that special relativity is a comprehensive physical theory, while the Lorentz transformation is a specific mathematical operation utilized within that theory. Special relativity encompasses postulates regarding the speed of light and inertial reference frames, forming a foundational framework for understanding relativistic physics. The Lorentz transformation serves to convert measurements between different inertial reference frames, analogous to defining Minkowski spacetime. This distinction is crucial for grasping the relationship between theoretical physics and mathematical representations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations
  • Basic knowledge of Minkowski spacetime
  • Concepts of inertial reference frames
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of Lorentz transformations
  • Explore the implications of special relativity on time dilation and length contraction
  • Investigate Minkowski spacetime and its geometric properties
  • Learn about the applications of special relativity in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity, and researchers interested in the mathematical foundations of theoretical physics will benefit from this discussion.

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What exactly is the difference between special relativity and the Lorentz transformation? Reading about them they seem to be really similar.
Sorry for the extra question. Just have a lot of questions lately and I know some people around here are annoyed with that.
 
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Special relativity is a physical theory. The Lorentz transform is a mathematical operation. Special relativity uses the Lorentz transform to make predictions about physical experiments.
 
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Special relativity is a set of postulates regarding speed of light and inertial reference frames which forms an entire theory.

The Lorentz-transformation is a mathematical operation used to find the quantities measured in one inertial reference frame expressed as quantities measured in another inertial reference frame.

It's like asking what the difference between feynman diagrams and quantum field theory is.
 
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The Lorentz transforms are one way of defining Minkowski spacetime. Special Relativity is the physics of being in a Minkowski spacetime. Naturally, the Lorentz transforms turn up a lot.

It's a bit like the difference between Euclidean (and spherical) geometry and cartography. You can't do much cartography without an understanding of straight lines and angles, but cartography isn't just straight lines and angles.
 
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