What equations are affected by Lorentz Transformations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of Lorentz transformations on various equations in physics, particularly in the context of special relativity and general relativity. Participants explore how specific equations related to distance, energy, and gravitational force are affected by these transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that equations such as distance = velocity × time (r = vt) and E = hv are affected by Lorentz transformations due to modifications in time and frequency.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the third equation, initially presented as j* = ot, which is later clarified to j* = σt^4, relating to the power radiated.
  • Participants discuss whether Newton's law of universal gravitation (F = G*m1*m2/r^2) is affected by general relativity, with some stating that it is modified and others suggesting that it no longer makes sense to speak of forces in the context of general relativity.
  • One participant mentions that string theory treats gravity as a force, questioning if the classical gravitational equation remains valid in that framework, to which another participant responds negatively.
  • There are references to the complexity of general relativity compared to special relativity, with some participants emphasizing that general relativity replaces Newton's theory of gravitation.
  • Some participants express confusion about the lack of a relativistic equation for gravitational force, indicating a need for clarification on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of Lorentz transformations on specific equations, particularly regarding gravitational force and the validity of classical equations in modern physics. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that Lorentz transformations are specific to special relativity, while general relativity introduces different concepts that may not align with classical interpretations of force. There is also mention of the complexity involved in understanding these theories.

dimension10
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Many equations are affected by Lorentz transformations. Time, mass, volume of a moving object, momentum, force etc. I want to know if the following equations are affected by Lorentz transformations:

1. Distance=velocity*time (r=vt)
2. E=hv
3. j*=ot
4. F=G*m1*m2/r^2

Also, is the Newton's Theory of Universal gravitation affected by General Relativity?
 
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I'm not sure what your third equation is but the first one is obviously changed as the time is modified. The second one, I assume you mean [itex]E = \hbar \omega[/itex] which is also modified because the angular frequency is modified. This causes red/blue-shifts. Newton's law of gravitation is modified as well because of the length contraction.

However, Lorentz transformations are a feature of special relativity. General relativity is not so simple.
 
dimension10 said:
Also, is the Newton's Theory of Universal gravitation affected by General Relativity?

General Relativity replaces Newton's theory of gravitation.
 
I think Pengwuino's analysis is correct as far as chages in the values of the variables. But if the OP intended to ask about changes in the forms of the equations, then the form of 1 and 2 is frame-invariant.
 
Pengwuino said:
I'm not sure what your third equation is...

Oops. I meant it to be j*=ot^4 where j* is the power radiated and o is sigma, the stefan's constant.

Pengwuino said:
However, Lorentz transformations are a feature of special relativity. General relativity is not so simple.

So [tex]F=G\frac{{m}_{1}{m}_{2}}{{r}^{2}}[/tex] is changed in General Relativty also?

Pengwuino said:
...the first one is obviously changed as the time is modified. The second one, I assume you mean [itex]E = \hbar \omega[/itex] which is also modified because the angular frequency is modified. This causes red/blue-shifts. Newton's law of gravitation is modified as well because of the length contraction.

Thanks.

jtbell said:
General Relativity replaces Newton's theory of gravitation.

So, [tex]F=G\frac{{m}_{1}{m}_{2}}{{r}^{2}}[/tex] is changed in General Relativty?
 
Last edited:
dimension10 said:
So, [tex]F=G\frac{{m}_{1}{m}_{2}}{{r}^{2}}[/tex] is changed in General Relativty?

Yes, it no longer makes sense to speak of forces in GR.
 
Pengwuino said:
Yes, it no longer makes sense to speak of forces in GR.

But in modern physics, string theory does talk about gravity as a force, right? And in string theory,

[tex]F=G\frac{{m}_{1}{m}_{2}}{{r}^{2}}[/tex]

is still correct right?
 
dimension10 said:
But in modern physics, string theory does talk about gravity as a force, right? And in string theory,

[tex]F=G\frac{{m}_{1}{m}_{2}}{{r}^{2}}[/tex]

is still correct right?

No it isn't.
 
Dimension10, relativity isn't just a matter of putting fudge factors in equations. If you want to learn some relativity, some good books are (from easiest to hardest):

Takeuchi, An Illustrated Guide to Relativity
Mermin, It's About Time: Understanding Einstein's Relativity
Taylor and Wheeler, Spacetime Physics
 
  • #10
bcrowell said:
Dimension10, relativity isn't just a matter of putting fudge factors in equations. If you want to learn some relativity, some good books are (from easiest to hardest):

Takeuchi, An Illustrated Guide to Relativity
Mermin, It's About Time: Understanding Einstein's Relativity
Taylor and Wheeler, Spacetime Physics

Thanks. I have also read the paper itself but I can't really find his equation for the Gravitational force...
 
  • #11
dimension10 said:
Thanks. I have also read the paper itself but I can't really find his equation for the Gravitational force...

What paper are you referring to? There is no relativistic equation for gravitational force, because gravity isn't described as a force in relativity.
 
  • #12
dimension10 said:
Thanks. I have also read the paper itself but I can't really find his equation for the Gravitational force...

Are you maybe talking about an equation describing tidal gravitational forces?
 

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