Understanding the Lorentz Transformation Equations

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x_2=v*t.

I was told that this is incorrect but I don't even know what it is.

The Lorentz equations are:

x' = \gamma(x - vt)
t' = \gamma(t - vx/c2)

How would you write that in matrix format?
 
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stevmg said:
x_2=v*t.

I was told that this is incorrect but I don't even know what it is.
I don't either.
stevmg said:
The Lorentz equations are:

x' = \gamma(x - vt)
t' = \gamma(t - vx/c2)

How would you write that in matrix format?

Edit: Fill in the question marks.
\left[\begin{array}{c} x' \\ t' \end{array}\right] = \left[ \begin{array} {cc} ? & ? \\ ? & ? \end{array} \right] \left[\begin{array}{c} x \\ t \end{array}\right]
 
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stevmg said:
How would you write that in matrix format?
\left(<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> x&#039;\\<br /> t&#039;<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right) = \left( \begin{array}{cc} ? &amp; ?\\? &amp; ?\end{array}\right)<br /> \left(<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> x\\<br /> t<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)

Fill in the ? marks.
 
Too late! Mark44 already did!
 
HallsofIvy said:
Too late! Mark44 already did!
:cry:
 
I revised my answer, realizing I gave too much help.
 
I tried I can't make the matrix work.

I am wasting my time...

I'll just read from now on as this array/matrix stuff is pure crap to me.

Thanks anyway
 
stevmg said:
x_2=v*t.

I was told that this is incorrect but I don't even know what it is.

The Lorentz equations are:

x' = \gamma(x - vt)
t' = \gamma(t - vx/c2)

How would you write that in matrix format?
It might be helpful to write the equations above as
x&#039; = \gamma x - \gamma vt
t&#039; = -\gamma \frac{v}{c^2}x + \gamma t
 
Mark44 said:
It might be helpful to write the equations above as
x&#039; = \gamma x - \gamma vt
t&#039; = -\gamma \frac{v}{c^2}x + \gamma t

I do not know how to write a matrix in Latex format and no matter how hard I try I never get it.

If I could hand write it, I would but that's not possible here.

I am NOT wasting more time on this and I thank you for your time.

Steve G
Melbourne FL
 
  • #10
stevmg said:
I do not know how to write a matrix in Latex format and no matter how hard I try I never get it.
You can always just click on one of the ones we provided and copy the code, but no matter.

If the only issue is that you can't write it, that's not a problem. If I write the matrix as:

<br /> \left( \begin{array}{cc} a &amp; b\\c &amp; d\end{array}\right)<br />

We can discuss your answers for the elements a, b, c, and d.
 
  • #11
a = \gamma
b = -\gammav
c = -\gammav/c2
d = \gamma
 
  • #12
stevmg said:
a = \gamma
b = -\gammav
c = -\gammav/c2
d = \gamma

Thats correct, do you have to solve this linear ODE, or just write it in matrix form?
 
  • #13
stevmg said:
a = \gamma
b = -\gammav
c = -\gammav/c2
d = \gamma
Perfect.
 
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