Lorentz transformations

In summary, the first derivative of the Lorentz transformation gamma function with respect to dv represents the change in time-velocity with respect to change in spatial velocity. This derivative is also equal to the negative of the ratio of the space-time interval to the speed of light squared. The significance of this derivative is debatable, as it does not have a clear practical application.
  • #1
Orion1
973
3


What is the signifigance of the first derivative of the Lorentz transformation gamma function with respect to [tex]dv[/tex]?

What type of system does this derivative represent?

[tex]\gamma'(v) = \frac{d}{dv} \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \left( \frac{v}{c} \right)^2}} \right) = \frac{v}{c^2 \left[ 1 - \left( \frac{v}{c} \right)^2 \right]^\frac{3}{2}}[/tex]

[tex]\boxed{\gamma'(v) = \frac{v}{c^2 \left[ 1 - \left( \frac{v}{c} \right)^2 \right]^\frac{3}{2}}}[/tex]
 
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  • #2
I don't see any usefulness for this particular derivative. Why do you ask?

[tex]\frac{d(1/\gamma)}{dv}[/tex]
might be meaningful. It represents the change of the time-velocity [itex]cd\tau/dt}=c/\gamma[/itex] (see e.g. Brian Greene's "The elegant universe") as a function of the change of the spatial velocity [itex]v[/itex]. The function is goniometric.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Reletive Relation...


[tex]\gamma'(v)^{-1} = \frac{d}{dv} \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \left( \frac{v}{c} \right)^2}} \right)^{-1} = \frac{d}{dv} \left( \sqrt{1 - \left( \frac{v}{c} \right)} \right) = - \frac{v}{c^2 \sqrt{1 - \left( \frac{v}{c} \right)^2 }}[/tex]

[tex]\boxed{\gamma'(v)^{-1} = - \frac{v}{c^2 \sqrt{1 - \left( \frac{v}{c} \right)^2 }}}[/tex]

[tex]\gamma'(v)^{-1} = - \frac{v \gamma}{c^2} = - \frac{ds}{dt} \left( \frac{\gamma}{c^2} \right)[/tex]

[tex]\boxed{\gamma'(v)^{-1} = - \frac{ds}{dt} \left( \frac{\gamma}{c^2} \right)}[/tex]

Are these equation solutions correct?
 

1. What are Lorentz transformations?

Lorentz transformations are mathematical equations that describe how measurements of time and space change for an observer moving at a constant velocity relative to another observer. They were first introduced by Dutch physicist Hendrik Lorentz in 1904 and later incorporated into Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity.

2. Why are Lorentz transformations important?

Lorentz transformations are important because they help us understand how the laws of physics behave in different reference frames. They also play a crucial role in many modern technologies, such as GPS systems and particle accelerators.

3. How do Lorentz transformations work?

Lorentz transformations involve a set of equations that relate the coordinates of an event in one reference frame to the coordinates of the same event in another reference frame. The equations take into account the relative velocity between the two frames and the principles of special relativity.

4. Can Lorentz transformations be applied to all physical phenomena?

In general, Lorentz transformations can be applied to any physical phenomena that are consistent with the principles of special relativity. However, they may not accurately describe certain phenomena at the quantum level, where the laws of physics differ from those at the macroscopic level.

5. Are Lorentz transformations reversible?

Yes, Lorentz transformations are reversible. This means that if we apply the equations to transform the coordinates of an event from one reference frame to another, we can also use the same equations to transform the coordinates back to the original frame. This is known as the principle of relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames.

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