Lorentz transformations derived using dimensional analysis?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility and limitations of using dimensional analysis to derive the Lorentz transformations (LTs) in the context of physics. Participants explore the foundational principles that might be necessary for such a derivation, touching on theoretical aspects of space and time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of using dimensional analysis to derive the Lorentz transformations.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on how one might approach the derivation using dimensional analysis.
  • A later post indicates a misreading of the previous comments, suggesting a potential misunderstanding in the discussion.
  • It is proposed that the derivation of the Lorentz transformations might not necessarily require them to be linear, citing foundational principles such as homogeneity of space and time, isotropy of space, causality, and the principle of relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of dimensional analysis for deriving the Lorentz transformations, and there is no consensus on the necessity of linearity in this context.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights assumptions related to the foundational principles required for deriving the Lorentz transformations, but these assumptions remain unresolved and are subject to interpretation.

jason12345
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What's the problem with using dimensional analysis to derive the Lorentz transformations?
 
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How would you do that?
 
EDIT: Man I misread that.
 
Last edited:
I'm not sure dimensional analysis would even require the transformations to be linear.

The minimum for deriving the LTs are

1) Homogeneity of space and time.
2) Isotropy of space.
3) Causality.
4) Principle of relativity.
 

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