- #31
therapeuter
- 18
- 0
these are good references. I'm learning something new. especially the Noether theorem. does anyone else have something to say?
Minkowski's 4 dimensional world
- Context: Graduate
- Thread starter therapeuter
- Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY
The discussion centers on Minkowski's four-dimensional spacetime and the use of the imaginary coordinate ict as a substitute for the time coordinate in the Lorentz transformation. Participants highlight the confusion surrounding the interpretation of ict, emphasizing that it represents a mathematical construct rather than a physical distance traveled by light. Key points include the differences between Minkowskian and Euclidean geometries, the implications of using ict, and the limitations of Einstein's original formulation in supporting General Relativity. The conversation concludes with a consensus that the modern interpretation of Minkowski geometry is more robust than Einstein's initial approach.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of Lorentz transformations in Special Relativity
- Familiarity with Minkowski spacetime geometry
- Knowledge of Euclidean geometry and its metrics
- Basic grasp of complex numbers and imaginary units
- Study the implications of the Poincaré Group in Special Relativity
- Explore the differences between pseudo-Riemannian and Riemannian metrics
- Investigate the historical context of the ict coordinate in physics
- Learn about the modern applications of Minkowski geometry in theoretical physics
Physicists, mathematicians, and students of relativity seeking to deepen their understanding of spacetime concepts and the mathematical frameworks that underpin modern physics.
Similar threads
- · Replies 20 ·
- · Replies 13 ·
- · Replies 22 ·
Undergrad
Question about the Minkowski diagram
- · Replies 14 ·
- · Replies 4 ·
- · Replies 11 ·
- · Replies 20 ·
Graduate
Speed of Light for Bonnor Beam
- · Replies 26 ·
High School
Reciprocal time dilation
- · Replies 15 ·
- · Replies 123 ·