What are the Lorentz transformation tensors used for?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Lorentz transformation tensor and its application in transforming 4-vectors between different reference frames in the context of special relativity. The original poster presents a multi-part question involving the transformation matrix, the components of a 4-vector potential, and the relationships between electric and magnetic fields in different frames.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive transformations using the Lorentz transformation tensor and expresses uncertainty regarding the correctness of their signs in the resulting equations.
  • Participants question the clarity of the original poster's notation and whether the presented equations are correctly formatted and interpreted.
  • Some participants suggest that the complexity of the equations may hinder understanding and responses.

Discussion Status

The discussion appears to be ongoing, with the original poster seeking clarification on their attempts and expressing concern about the lack of responses. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the transformations or components presented.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's questions involve specific mathematical expressions and symbols that may not be universally understood, which could contribute to the lack of engagement from other participants.

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Hi all,

I got a 3 part Qs: γ=1/√1-v^2-c^2

Part A

Homework Statement



Consider the Lorentz transformation tensor

Matrix
Row 1: [ γ 0 0 -vγ/c]
Row 2: [ 0 1 0 0 ]
Row 3: [ 0 0 1 0 ]
Row 4:-[vγ/c 0 0 γ ]

for transforming 4-vectors from frame S to \overline{S} according to\overline{A}^{\mu} = L^{\mu} _{v} A^{v} . The coordinate system is x^{0} =ct, x^{1} = x, x^{2} = y, x^{3} = z .

The Attempt at a Solution



Doing the transformation and then solving for it gives the answer:

d/d\overline{t}=γ(d/dt-vd/dx), d/d\overline{x}=γ(v/c^2 d/dt - d/dx), d/d\overline{y} = d/dy, d/d\overline{z}=d/dz

That's the answer I get but I am not sure about if I have the addition and substraction signs correct.

Part B

Homework Statement



In above question, if the 4-vector potential is given by \underline{A}=(\phi/c, Ax, Ay, Az) in frame S what are its components in frame \overline{S}?

The Attempt at a Solution



Again solving for and getting the answer, I am confused on the addition and subtraction signs:

\overline{A}=(γ\varphi/c + γv/c Ax, γAx+ γv\varphi/c^2, Ay, Az)

Part C

Homework Statement



In Part B, the electric and magnetic fields are defined in frames S and \overline{S} by

E^{(3)}=-∇\varphi-dA^{(3)}/dt, \overline{E}^{(3)}=-∇\overline{\varphi}-d\overline{A}^{(3)}/d\overline{t}, B^{(3)}=∇xA^{3}, \overline{B}^{(3)}=\overline{∇}x\overline{A}^{(3)},
\overline{A}=(\overline{\varphi}/c, \overline{A}x,

If

\overline{A}y, \overline{A}z)=(\overline{\varphi}/c, \overline{A}^{(3)})

what is value of \overline{E}x?

The Attempt at a Solution



Again solving for it I get my answer in which I am unsure of the addition and subtraction signs.

\overline{E}x=Ex, \overline{E}y=γ(Ey+vBz), \overline{E}z=γ(Ez-vBy)

I am also not sure if the have the vector components assigned to the correct axis.

Help would be appreciated.
 
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Hi,

no reply?

Help?
 
From the PF rules - https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=414380:
Do not "bump" one of your threads to the top of a forum's thread list by posting a basically empty message to it, until at least 24 hours have passed since the latest post in the thread; and then do it only once per thread.
 
Right Mark, thanks for telling me.

Just to clarify my questions, here is what I am trying to ask.

In Part A - I am supposed to find the transformation of the L matrix using that tensor equation. Is my transformation correct? It was my attempt at the question.

In Part B - Again, are the components of \overline{S} correct (ie. is \overline{A} correct)? It was my attempt at the question.

In Part C - It is a bit crowded (the formulae) but essentially they are the electric and magnetic field equations E, E (dashed), B and B (dashed) of the S and S (dashed) frames.

A (dashed, the 'if' was supposed to start before the A dashed equation and not in the middle)

I am supposed to find the E (dashed, the 'x' is a typo, sorry) components of this system (from the A dashed equation of part B). If the above is wrong then so is my following working. Are the + and - signs in the answer? It was my attempt.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
No Help?

Hey everyone,

Seems like another thread with no actual replies.

Just so I know, were the questions too hard or were they difficult to understand because of how I wrote them? I would like your honest opinion.

Thank you
 
physforums said:
Hi all,

I got a 3 part Qs: γ=1/√1-v^2-c^2

Part A

Homework Statement



Consider the Lorentz transformation tensor

Matrix
Row 1: [ γ 0 0 -vγ/c]
Row 2: [ 0 1 0 0 ]
Row 3: [ 0 0 1 0 ]
Row 4:-[vγ/c 0 0 γ ]

for transforming 4-vectors from frame S to \overline{S} according to\overline{A}^{\mu} = L^{\mu} _{v} A^{v} . The coordinate system is x^{0} =ct, x^{1} = x, x^{2} = y, x^{3} = z .

physforums said:
Hey everyone,

Seems like another thread with no actual replies.

Just so I know, were the questions too hard or were they difficult to understand because of how I wrote them? I would like your honest opinion.

Thank you

Speaking for myself, I stopped reading about where I truncated your post. I'm not familiar with the subject and there are undefined symbols in the last line I left in. Perhaps if you posted this in a forum populated by more physics or EE types, you might find helpers who are familiar with the subject and notation.
 

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