Time in the Lorentz transformation

In summary, the Lorentz transformation can be derived through various methods, such as the ones provided in the given links. The transformation involves a rotation and a boost, where v = tanh(\theta) and c is taken to be 1. It is important to note that the determinant of the transformation must be 1, which affects the signs of certain terms in the transformation.
  • #1
asdf1
734
0
where does t`=(t-vx/c^2)/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2 come from?
 
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  • #2
asdf1 said:
where does t`=(t-vx/c^2)/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2 come from?

From
[tex] \left( \begin{array}{c} x' \\ t' \end{array} \right) = \left( \begin{array}{cc} cosh(\theta) & -sinh(\theta) \\ sinh(\theta) & cosh(\theta) \end{array} \right) \left( \begin{array}{c} x \\ t \end{array} \right) [/tex]

where [tex]v = tanh(\theta)[/tex] and c is taken to be 1.
 
  • #3
asdf1 said:
where does t`=(t-vx/c^2)/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2 come from?
There are many elegant ways to derive the Lorentz transformation:

http://www.everythingimportant.org/relativity/
http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=AJPIAS000043000005000434000001
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/physics/pdf/0302/0302045.pdf
 
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  • #4
It should be [tex]+\sinh(\theta)[/tex].
(The determinant has to be 1.)
 
  • #5
robphy said:
It should be [tex]+\sinh(\theta)[/tex].
(The determinant has to be 1.)

Or rather they should both be [tex]-\sinh(\theta)[/tex] I believe.
 
  • #6
learningphysics said:
Or rather they should both be [tex]-\sinh(\theta)[/tex] I believe.

Yes, of course :tongue2: , considering the original post. Thanks.
 
  • #7
thanks! :)
 

1. What is the Lorentz transformation and why is it important in the study of time?

The Lorentz transformation is a mathematical formula that describes how time and space coordinates change between two reference frames that are moving relative to each other. It is important in the study of time because it helps us understand how time is relative and how it can be affected by factors such as motion and gravity.

2. How does the Lorentz transformation affect the concept of time dilation?

The Lorentz transformation is a key factor in the concept of time dilation, which states that time moves slower for objects that are moving at high speeds. This is because the formula takes into account the relative motion between different reference frames and shows that time can appear to move at different rates depending on the observer's perspective.

3. Does the Lorentz transformation also apply to objects that are experiencing gravitational time dilation?

Yes, the Lorentz transformation applies to both special and general relativity. In general relativity, objects that are in a strong gravitational field experience time dilation as well. The formula takes into account the effects of gravity on the flow of time and can accurately predict the differences in time between two objects at different gravitational potentials.

4. How does the Lorentz transformation relate to the concept of time being the fourth dimension?

The Lorentz transformation is a key component in the understanding of time as the fourth dimension in the concept of spacetime. The formula shows that time and space are interconnected and can affect each other. This is why time is considered the fourth dimension, as it is intertwined with the three dimensions of space.

5. Can the Lorentz transformation be used to travel through time?

No, the Lorentz transformation does not allow for time travel. It simply helps us understand how time can be affected by different factors such as motion and gravity. Time travel is still considered to be a theoretical concept and has not been proven to be possible through any scientific means.

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