Understanding the Meaning of \oplus in Special Relativity

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SUMMARY

The symbol \oplus in the context of special relativity represents a specific operation for adding relative velocities, distinct from simple arithmetic addition. It is used to denote the relativistic velocity addition formula, indicating that u' \oplus v does not equal u' + v. This notation is a shorthand adopted by some authors to simplify discussions around the complexities of velocity addition in relativistic physics.

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Lizwi
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[itex]\oplus[/itex] what does this symbol mean. I was confused in special relativity when notes say u' [itex]\oplus[/itex] v [itex]\neq[/itex] u' + v.
 
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Hi Lizwi! :smile:
Lizwi said:
[itex]\oplus[/itex] what does this symbol mean. I was confused in special relativity when notes say u' [itex]\oplus[/itex] v [itex]\neq[/itex] u' + v.

What is the context?

Sometimes mathematicians run out of symbols, and recycle a symbol they think nobody wants! :biggrin:

My guess is that this is the addition of relative-velocities formula, and that this author is simply using it as a shorthand for that form of addition.

(in other words: it's his symbol for multiplication in the group of relative-velocities)
 

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