Galilean transformation Definition and 55 Threads

In physics, a Galilean transformation is used to transform between the coordinates of two reference frames which differ only by constant relative motion within the constructs of Newtonian physics. These transformations together with spatial rotations and translations in space and time form the inhomogeneous Galilean group (assumed throughout below). Without the translations in space and time the group is the homogeneous Galilean group. The Galilean group is the group of motions of Galilean relativity acting on the four dimensions of space and time, forming the Galilean geometry. This is the passive transformation point of view. In special relativity the homogenous and inhomogenous Galilean transformations are, respectively, replaced by the Lorentz transformations and Poincaré transformations; conversely, the group contraction in the classical limit c → ∞ of Poincaré transformations yields Galilean transformations.
The equations below are only physically valid in a Newtonian framework, and not applicable to coordinate systems moving relative to each other at speeds approaching the speed of light.
Galileo formulated these concepts in his description of uniform motion.
The topic was motivated by his description of the motion of a ball rolling down a ramp, by which he measured the numerical value for the acceleration of gravity near the surface of the Earth.

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  1. cianfa72

    I Newton Galilean spacetime as fiber bundle

    Hi, Penrose in his book "The Road to Reality" claims that Newton/Galilean spacetime has actually a structure of fiber bundle. The base is one-dimensional Euclidean space (time) and each fiber is a copy of ##\mathbb E^3##. The projection on the base space is the "universal time mapping" that...
  2. Sagittarius A-Star

    I Only Minkowski or Galilei from Commutative Velocity Composition

    The LT can be derived from the first postulate of SR, assuming linearity an that velocity composition is commutative, and that GT can be excluded: ##t' \neq t##. Definition of the constant velocity ##v##: ##x' = 0 \Rightarrow x-vt=0\ \ \ \ \ \ ##(1) With assumed linearity follows for the...
  3. R

    Galilean transform and Lorentz transform questions

    I have a quick question about the Galilean transform. If I have Alice running and Bob stationary. The Galilean transform will tell me the position of Alice from Bob's stationary position. Also if I have Alice's position which is moving it will tell me Bob's stationary position. If I want Bob...
  4. L

    I Galilean transformation of non-inertial frame

    It's frequently discussed Galilean transformation brings one inertial frame to another inertial frame, and such a transformation leaves Newton's second law invariant (of the same form). I wonder what happens for non-inertial frame? If we start with a non-inertial frame, and Galilean transform...
  5. L

    I Proving Galilean Transformation for Inertial Frames

    I know we can prove that a Galilean transformation sends one inertial frame to another inertial frame, by proving ##\frac{d^2 f(\vec{r})}{d(f(t))^2} = \frac{d^2 \vec{r}}{dt^2}##, but can we prove the reverse? Can we prove that if the acceleration seen in two frames are the same, then the...
  6. R

    Finding the velocity of a car in a different frame of reference

    Here's what I did so far. The velocity of the first car is ##v = v_0 +at## Frame of reference S = the road Frame of reference S' = the second car thus, v' is the speed of the first car in the frame of reference S' and v the speed in the frame of reference S. Here's what make me doubt. The...
  7. E

    B Understanding the Galilean transformation

    I got a bit confused, and hoped someone could clarify a few things. As far as I am aware, a change of basis is an identity transformation ##I_V## on the vector space (pg. 113) and we can write the relationship between the components of some vector ##v## in the different bases ##\beta## and...
  8. brotherbobby

    "Distance" between events in uniformly moving and accelerating frames

    (1) Uniformly moving frames I begin with a drawing of the situation. The events are labelled as ##\color{red}{E_1}## and ##\color{red}{E_2}##. We note the time of those events : ##t_1 = t'_1 = 30s## and ##t_2 = t_2' = 30+60 = 90s##. I attempt the problem in two different ways. (a) By...
  9. S

    Transformation law of momentum under Galilean transformation

    I'm reading the article https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267938119_ON_THE_GALILEAN_COVARIANCE_OF_CLASSICAL_MECHANICS (pdf link here), in which the authors want to establish the transformation rule for momentum, assuming only that ##\vec{F}=d\vec{p}/dt## and notwithstanding the relation...
  10. D

    Time of closest approach between two particles

    Homework Statement Two objects ##1## and ##2## move at constant speeds ##v_1## and ##v_2## along of two mutually perpendicular lines. At the moment ##t = 0## the particles are located at distances ##l_1## and ##l_2## from the point of intersection of the lines. At what time will the two objects...
  11. T

    Reference frames and Galilean transformation

    Homework Statement I am having a issue relating part of this question to the Galilean transformation. Question Relative to the laboratory, a rod of rest length ##l_0## moves in its own line with velocity u. A particle moves in the same line with equal and opposite velocity . How long dose it...
  12. D

    How Does a Galilean Transformation Affect the Wave Function?

    Homework Statement $$\Psi = Ae^{\frac{i}{\hbar}(px-\frac{p^2}{2m}t)}$$ where ##p = \hbar k## and ##E = \hbar \omega = \frac{p^2}{2m}## for a nonrelativistic particle. Find ##\Psi'(x',t')##, E' and p', under a galilean tranformation. Homework Equations $$\Psi'(x',t') = f(x,t)\Psi(x,t)$$ where...
  13. D

    Derivative for a Galilean Tranformation

    Homework Statement Using the chain rule, find a, b, c, and d: $$\frac{\partial}{\partial x'} = a\frac{\partial}{\partial x} + b\frac{\partial}{\partial t}$$ $$\frac{\partial}{\partial t'} = c\frac{\partial}{\partial x} + d\frac{\partial}{\partial t}$$ Homework Equations Chain rule...
  14. M

    I Proof that Galilean & Lorentz Ts form a group

    The Galilean transformations are simple. x'=x-vt y'=y z'=z t'=t. Then why is there so much jargon and complication involved in proving that Galilean transformations satisfy the four group properties (Closure, Associative, Identity, Inverse)? Why talk of 10 generators? Why talk of rotation as...
  15. H

    Prove equation of motion is unchanged under Galilean transformation

    Is the attached solution complete? In particular, do we need to prove that ##V'(r_{12}')=V(r_{12})##, where ##V'(r_{12}')## is the potential energy function in the reference frame ##S'##, moving at a uniform velocity with respect to the reference frame ##S##, and ##r_{12}'## is the distance...
  16. Pushoam

    Variance of the EM wave equation under Galilean transformation

    For using Galilean transformation, I have to assume that speed of light w.r.t. ether frame is c. W.r.t. ether frame, E = E0 eik(x-ct) W.r.t. S' frame which is moving with speed v along the direction of propagation of light, E' = E0 eik(x'-c't') Under Galilean transformation, x' = x-vt, t' = t...
  17. Ricky Pang

    B Regarding the Galilean transformation of x'=x-vt

    Hello everyone, I am confused with the minus sign of x'=x-vt. When there are 2 references frames called K and K' which K is at rest and K' moves to right with velocity V with respect to K. Let there is another frame which is my frame of reference called O. The vector sum of the displacement...
  18. Pushoam

    Generalized Galilean transformation

    Homework Statement Write the Galilean coordinate transformation equations for the case of an arbitrary direction for the relative velocity v of one frame with respect to the other. Assume that the corresponding axes of the two frames remain parallel. (Hint: let v have componentsvx, vy, vz.)...
  19. Kudox117

    Lorentz Transformations vs Galilean Transformation

    Homework Statement 2. The attempt at a solution 3. Relevant equations In the first problems of that book i was using the Galilean transformations where V1 = V2 + V But if i use that then V1 = 0.945 - 0.6 V1 = 0.345 Is not the same result, so I am confused. In this new problems we are...
  20. F

    I D'Alembert equation and Galilean transformation

    The D'Alembert equation for the mechanical waves was written in 1750. It is not invariant under a Galilean transformation. Why nobody was shocked about this at the time? Why we had to wait more than a hundred years (Maxwell's equations) to discover that Galilean transformations are wrong...
  21. F

    Need for Lorentz transformation in pre-relativity period

    What was the need for Lorentz transformation in pre-relativity period? Why was it necessary for the velocity of light to be invariant between different inertial frames and hence what was the need for Lorentz transformation when it was believed that velocity of light was constant with respect to...
  22. F

    B Is Energy Galilean Invariant?

    As the title says, is energy Galilean invariant? I'm fairly sure it isn't, since if one considers the simple case of a free particle, such that its energy is ##E=\frac{p^{2}}{2m}##, then under a Galilean boost, it follows that ##E'=...
  23. K

    I Galilean transformation paradox help

    I'm getting quite stuck on this problem here. Galileo said that Xb = Xa - V*Ta. (This follows from dv = dx/t --> Xa - Xb = t*dv --> the above formula) Thus, it is concluded Xa = Xb + V*Ta, but why? In my thought experiment the objects are moving relative to each other, thus if A is moving away...
  24. A

    I Composite Galilean transformation in 2 dimensions

    The Galilean transforms for rotations, boosts and translations in 2D are the follows: Rotations: x' = xcosθ + ysinθ y' = -xsinθ + ycosθ Boosts: x' = x - vxt y' = y - vyt Translations: x' = x - dx y' = y - dx I wanted to combine these into a single pair of equations, so my first thought was...
  25. S

    Relative motion and conservation of momentum

    Homework Statement A 52kg man is on a ladder hanging from a balloon that has a total mass of 450kg (including the basket passenger). The balloon is initially stationary relative to the ground. If the man on the ladder begins to climb at 1.2m/s relative to the ladder, (a) in what direction does...
  26. M

    Conservation of angular momentum invariance

    Homework Statement Given a reference frame O' moving at a constant speed $\vec{V}$ in relation to another reference frame O, I want to prove that ##\vec{r_{1B}} \times m_1\vec{v_{1B}} + \vec{r_{2B}} \times m_2\vec{v_{2B}} = \vec{r_{1F}} \times m_1\vec{v_{1F}} + \vec{r_{2F}} \times...
  27. D

    Relativity of position and velocity in classical mechanics

    I'm currently collating my own personal notes and would really appreciate some feedback on my description of the relativity of position and velocity in classical mechanics. Here is what I have written "Position is clearly a relative quantity as two inertial frames S and S' displaced by a...
  28. L

    Galilean Relativity and Newton's Laws

    I'm a little bit confused about the relationship between Galileo's Principle of Relativity and Newton's Laws. Indeed, as I understand, the Galilean Principle of Relativity is what Galileo presented with Salviatti's ship discussion. The discussion seems to lead to a simple idea: "if one performs...
  29. J

    The "x'=x-vt" in Galilean/Lorentz transformation

    Hello people, I have a question regarding the x' component in the Lorentz/Galilean transformation. So from what i understand is that there are 2 coordinate systems used in the transformations. One is used as a reference point and one is used for moving away from this point. The moving away in...
  30. A

    Assumption on central forces between two particles

    Homework Statement Consider Newton’s force law for two particles interact through a central force F12(r1',r2',u1,u2), where by Newton’s third law F12 = -F21. m1(d^2r1/dt^2) = F12(r1,r2,u1,u2) m2(d^2r2/dt^2) = F21(r1,r2,u1,u2) A. Show that Newtonian mechanics is form invariant with respect...
  31. A

    Proving Newton's third law invariant with Galilean tranfrom

    Homework Statement Consider Newton’s force law for two particles interact through a central force F12(r1',r2',u1,u2), where by Newton’s third law F12 = -F21. m1(d^2r1/dt^2) = F12(r1,r2,u1,u2) m2(d^2r2/dt^2) = F21(r1,r2,u1,u2) A. Show that Newtonian mechanics is form invariant with respect to...
  32. P

    Cylindrical coordinate of Galilean transformation

    r\rightarrow r-2qz and \psi\rightarrow\psi+q\cdot(r-qz), I don't know how to derive it, anybody know? This question results from the book "Optical Solitons: From Fibers to Photonic Crystals [1 ed.]" section 6.5
  33. M

    Perception of faster than light travel?

    I'm currently taking a modern physics course, I came across this problem which really threw me off guard: Three spaceships A, B, and C are in motion as shown in the figure. The commander on ship B observes ship C approaching with a relative velocity of 0.83c. The commander also observes ship A...
  34. A

    Why is force invariant in Newtonian mechanics?

    Recently, I've been pondering deeply on relativity (both Galilean and SR) and all of a sudden I find that I don't grasp even the basic concepts of physics (or life) anymore, i.e. I can't go back to my previous, "normal" mode of thinking. Consider Newtonian mechanics, take the ground to be at...
  35. A

    Galilean transformation problem (Speed)

    Homework Statement A girl is riding a bicycle along a straight road at constant speed, and passes a friend standing at a bus stop (event #1). At a time of 60 s later the friend catches a bus (event #2) If the distance separating the events is 126 m in the frame of the girl on the bicycle...
  36. A

    Problem on Galilean transformation

    Help please. I can't find what am I missing. The solution is in the attachment. Thanks in advance.
  37. G

    Galilean transformation - can you show me an example?

    I'm still having trouble with the basic foundations of relativity so I am taking a look here at the Galilean transformation. I know the only thing that changes is x' = x-vt Now can someone explain what each variable stands for and can show me how you would do an actual example with...
  38. Z

    Galilean Transformation Limitations: Explained w/ Example

    Discuss the limitation of the galilean transformation,by using an example
  39. L

    Galilean transformation / calculating frequency problem

    Hi everyone, Homework Statement I have a mass like in the drawing and a moving cart with constant acceleration. The potential (also in the drawing) is given as V=A4x^{4} I want to calculate the frequency of the oscillation of the mass as a function of the acceleration when the cart is...
  40. J

    Galilean transformation from velocity composition?

    Hi. Is there a quick way of deriving the Galilean transformations from the Galilean composition formula for velocities? Cheers.
  41. Advent

    Wave equation and Galilean Transformation

    Hi! I was reading some notes on relativity (Special relativity) (http://teoria-de-la-relatividad.blogspot.com/2009/03/3-la-fisica-es-parada-de-cabeza.html) and it says that the classical wave equation is not Galilean Invariant. I tried to show it by myself, but I think there is some point that...
  42. P

    Modern Physics - Extension of the Galilean Transformation?

    Homework Statement Conventionally, the Galilean Transformation relates two reference frames that begin at the same location and time with one reference frame moving at a constant velocity {\vec{v}} along a positive {x}-axis (which is common to both reference frames) with respect to the other...
  43. G

    Are These Valid Galilean Transformations in a 1D System?

    in a 1 d system. x measured WRT an inertial frame k, are the following, valid Galilean transformations: x=x'- sin(wt) and x=x'3Not sure where to go with this... I can't find any relevant material anywhere.
  44. J

    How Does the Galilean Transformation Affect Raindrop Perception in a Moving Car?

    Homework Statement In a Summer's day, there's no wind, and start to rain. So the drops fall vertically for an observer on the ground. A car has a velocity of 10 Km/h and the driver see that the drops are coming perpendicularly to the windshield. If 60° is the angle between the windshield and...
  45. R

    Proving Unique Decomposition of a Galilean Transformation

    hi... I´m attending a course of advanced classical mechanics. I´m working on statistical mechanics, so I´m not so familiar with some things on the course. I must solve the follwing problem for homework: show that every galilean transformation g on the (galilean space, using natural...
  46. S

    What Angle Ensures the Ball Appears to Move Straight?

    Homework Statement a railcart A moves in a fixed accelaration a_1=a_1 \hat{x} (a_1 is relavive to earth) at moment t=0 a ball is thrown from it in the velocity v_0 (v_0 is relative to the railcart A) and with the angle \alpha above the horizon. the velocity of the railcart when the ball...
  47. B

    Galilean transformation problem

    Homework Statement Pilots are racing small, relatively high-powered airplanes arounds courses marked by a pylon on the ground at each end of the course. Suppose two such evenly matched racers fly at airspeeds of 130 mi/h. Each flies one complete round tripof 25 miles, but their courses are...
  48. Amith2006

    Is the Electromagnetic Wave Equation Invariant Under Galilean Transformation?

    Homework Statement 1) Show that the electromagnetic wave equation, d^2(phi)/dx^2 + d^2(phi)/dy^2 + d^2(phi)/dz^2 –(1/c^2)( d^2(phi)/dt^2) = 0 is not invariant under Galilean transformation. Note: here d is a partial differential operator. Homework Equations...
  49. X

    Understanding Galilean Transformation: A Troubleshooting Guide

    i have trouble taking the equations given, that is the conversion of one coordinate frame to another. lets assume at the starting point there are two observers (coordinates (x,y,z,t)). one observer moves in the x direction and the other observer stays still. the observer that moves has the...
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