Lorentz boost Definition and 42 Threads

  1. binbagsss

    A Show Lagrangian is invariant under a Lorentz transformation without using generators

    This is probably a stupid question but, I want to show that a Lagrangian written in field theory is Lorentz invariant WITHOUT using the Lorentz transformation representation / generators. I know we know that a Lorentz scalar is automatically Lorentz invariant, but, I want to show this by...
  2. D

    Problem Related to Photons with Mass

    Before boost we have Then using the Lorentz boost: I want to calculate: I tried multiplying the matrices together but I never get the stated answer which should be:
  3. han

    Is the Lorentz Boost Generator Commutator Zero?

    Using above formula, I could calculate the given commutator. $$ [\epsilon^{\mu\nu\rho\sigma} M_{\mu \nu}M_{\rho\sigma},M_{\alpha\beta}]=i\epsilon^{\mu\nu\rho\sigma}(M_{\mu \nu}[M_{\rho\sigma},M_{\alpha\beta}]+[M_{\rho\sigma},M_{\alpha\beta}]M_{\mu \nu}) $$ (because...
  4. milkism

    Field transformations in the z-direction

    Question: Eq. 12.109: My solution: We’ll first use the configuration from figure 12.35 in the book Griffiths. Where the only difference is that v_0 is in the z-direction. The electric field in the y-direction will be the same. $$E_y = \frac{\sigma}{\epsilon _0}$$ Now we're going to derive the...
  5. S

    I Approximate local flatness = Approximate local symmetries?

    Pseudo-Riemannian manifolds (such as spacetime) are locally Minkowskian and this is very important for relativity since even in a highly curved spacetime, one could locally approximate the spacetime into a flat minkowski one. However, this would be an approximation. Perhaps this is a naive...
  6. S

    I Solutions that break the Lorentz invariance...?

    I was reading a discussion where some physicists participated* where the topic of Lorentz invariance violations occurring in cosmology is mentioned. There, they mention that we can imagine a Lorentz-violating solution to the cosmological equations. What do they mean by that? Can anyone specify...
  7. Sciencemaster

    I Gravitational Field Transformations Under Boosted Velocity

    Let's say we have some observer in some curved spacetime, and we have another observer moving relative to them with some velocity ##v## that is a significant fraction of ##c##. How would coordinates in this curved spacetime change between the two reference frames? For example, imagine a...
  8. 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...
  9. Samama Fahim

    I Deriving Lorentz Transformations: Hyperbolic Functions

    While deriving Lorentz transformation equations, my professor assumes the following: As ##\beta \rightarrow 1,## $$-c^2t^2 + x^2 = k$$ approaches 0. That is, ##-c^2t^2 + x^2 = 0.## But the equation of the hyperbola is preserved in all inertial frames of reference. Why would ##-c^2t^2 + x^2##...
  10. F

    Calculate a specific boost and rotation

    Let's begin with the first point. a.I) Apply a generic boost in the y-z plane (take advantage of the arbitrariness in deciding the alignment of the y and z axes). \begin{equation*} B_{yz} = \begin{pmatrix} \gamma & 0 & -\gamma v_y & -\gamma v_z \\ 0 & 1 & 0 & 0 \\ -\gamma v_y & 0 &...
  11. Data Base Erased

    Why Does a Moving Rod Appear Inclined in Different Reference Frames?

    Ateempt of solution: There are two key coordinates in this scenario, the leftmost tip of the rod, which in ##S'## is ##C_{0} = (t', 0, ut',0)## and the opposite tip ##C_{1} = (t', L,ut',0)## An angle ##\phi## could be found through a relationship such as ##tan(\phi) = \frac{ \Delta x}{ \Delta...
  12. nomadreid

    I Lorentz boost -- speed or velocity?

    The Wikipedia article on Lorentz transformations is a bit confusing by its using speed and velocity almost interchangeably: of course γ (Gamma) stays the same, but (letting c=1) t'=γ(t-vx) , then if this is v⋅x, and x stays the same, then there would be a difference if something were going away...
  13. Athenian

    I Lorentz Boosts: Finding Speed, Coordinates & Rotation w/ Matrix Multiply

    Recently, I've been studying about Lorentz boosts and found out that two perpendicular Lorentz boosts equal to a rotation after a boost. Below is an example matrix multiplication of this happening: $$ \left( \begin{array}{cccc} \frac{2}{\sqrt{3}} & 0 & -\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} & 0 \\ 0 & 1 & 0 & 0...
  14. L

    Differentiating with coordinate transformations

    T = (x+\frac{1}{\alpha}) sinh(\alpha t) X = (x+\frac{1}{\alpha}) cosh(\alpha t) - \frac{1}{\alpha} Objective is to show that ds^2 = -(1 +\alpha x)^2 dt^2 + dx^2 via finding dT and dX and inserting them into ds^2 = -dT^2 + dX^2 Incorrect attempt #1: dT= (dx+\frac{1}{\alpha})...
  15. E

    A Applying General Lorentz Boost to Multipartite Quantum State

    I would like to apply a General Lorentz Boost to some Multi-partite Quantum State. I have read several papers (like this) on the theory of boosting quantum states, but I have a hard time applying this theory to concrete examples. Let us take a ##|\Phi^+\rangle## Bell State as an example, and...
  16. jk22

    I Lorentz Boost & Galileo Speed: Exploring Relationship

    What about if the speed parameter in a Lorentz boost were in fact related nontrivially to a Galilean speed ? More formally ##L(v_L)=G(v)\circ F## where L is a Lorentz boost with Lorentz speed ##v_L##, G is a Galileo transformation with speed ##v## and ##F## is still an unknown linear...
  17. N

    Conserved quantities under the Lorentz boost

    In physics, a symmetry of the physical system is always associated with some conserved quantity. That physical laws are invariant under the observer’s displacement in position leads to conservation of momentum. Invariance under rotation leads to conservation of angular momentum, and under...
  18. CDL

    Einstein Velocity Addition for a Moving Charge in a Wire

    Homework Statement I am reading through Griffiths' Electrodynamics, and I have come to the scenario in the Relativity chapter where in an inertial reference frame ##S##, we have a wire, with positive charges (linear density ##\lambda##) moving to the right at speed ##v##, and negative charges...
  19. F

    Show that a matrix is a Lorentz transformation

    Homework Statement Given the matrix $$ \Omega = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & -\psi & 0 & 0 \\ -\psi & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}$$ show that ## e^{\Omega}## is a Lorentz transformation along the x-axis with ## \beta = tanh(\psi)## Homework Equations During the lesson we...
  20. A

    Electromagnetic Tensor: Calculating $\det{F^{\mu}}_\nu$

    Homework Statement Given an electromagnetic tensor ##F^{\mu\nu}##, showing that: $$\det{F^{\mu}}_\nu=-(\vec{B}\cdot\vec{E})^2$$ Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I had only the (stupid) idea of writing explictly the matrix associated with the electromagnetic tensor and calculating...
  21. A

    Special relativity - transformation of electromagnetic fields

    Homework Statement In a reference frame ##S## there is a particle with mass ##m## and charge ##q## which is moving with velocity ##\vec{u}## in an electric field ##\vec{E}## and in a magnetic field ##\vec{B}##. Knowing the relativisitc laws of motion for a particle in an EM field, find the...
  22. F

    I Spinor Representation of Lorentz Transformations: Solving the Puzzle

    I've been working my way through Peskin and Schroeder and am currently on the sub-section about how spinors transform under Lorentz transformation. As I understand it, under a Lorentz transformation, a spinor ##\psi## transforms as $$\psi\rightarrow S(\Lambda)\psi$$ where...
  23. T

    I Lorentz group, boost and indices

    Compare this with the definition of the inverse transformation Λ-1: Λ-1Λ = I or (Λ−1)ανΛνβ = δαβ,...(1.33) where I is the 4×4 indentity matrix. The indexes of Λ−1 are superscript for the first and subscript for the second as before, and the matrix product is formed as usual by summing over...
  24. L

    I Electromagnetic Force in Special Relativity

    Hi! I came out with a problem last night I wasn't able to solve: Let's assume we have a condensator with a uniform electric field E confined in its inside, lying on the z axes. Let's also assume we have a piece of a ferromagnetic object aligned with the condensator at time t = 0, on the y-axes...
  25. X

    Lorentz boost to obtain parallel E and B fields?

    Homework Statement Suppose given an electric field \vec{E} and a magnetic field \vec{B} in some inertial frame. Determine the conditions under which there exists a Lorentz transformation to another inertial frame in which \vec{E} || \vec{B} Homework Equations If we give a Lorentz boost along...
  26. V

    I Active vs Passive Lorentz transformation

    Hi. First, excuse my English. In my lecture notes on classical electrodynamics, we are introduced to the Lorentz transformations: a system S' moves relative to a system S with positive veloticy v in the x-axis (meassured in S), spatial axis are parallel, origin of times t and t' coincide...
  27. A

    I Moving Schwarzschild Black Hole

    The Schwarzschild Metric (with ##c=1##), $$ds^2 = -\Big(1-\frac{2GM}{r}\Big)dt^2+\Big(1-\frac{2GM}{r}\Big)^{-1}dr^2+r^2d\Omega^2$$ can be adjusted to a form involving three rectangular coordinates ##x##, ##y##, and ##z##: $$ds^2 =...
  28. J

    I Understanding Relativistically Spinning Disk/Ring: Lorentz Boosts

    I'm trying to understand the relativistically spinning disk within the framework of SR (if that is even possible). I thought to first simplify the problem by considering a spinning ring/annulus, but I don't know if my analysis is correct. I imagined a spinning ring of radius R, spinning at an...
  29. N

    Relativistic momentum (Lorentz boost) low velocity limit

    Hello, If I have a momenta pμ=(E,px,py,pz) and transform it via lorentz boost in x-direction with velocity v I'll get for the new 0th component E′=γE+γvpx why is this in the limit of low velocities the same as transforming the energy by a galilei transformation with velocity v? For γvpx i get...
  30. L

    What Is the Lorentz Boost Speed for Time Dilation and Spatial Separation?

    Homework Statement In the inertial frame of observer A two events occur at the same position a time 10 ns apart. In the frame of the observer B moving with respect to RA, one event occurs 1m away from the other. What is the difference in time between the two events in B's frame. Solve by...
  31. C

    Lorentz boost matrix in terms of four-velocity

    As I understand it, the value of a 4-vector x in another reference frame (x') with the same orientation can be derived using the Lorentz boost matrix \bf{\lambda} by x'=\lambda x. More explicitly, $$\begin{bmatrix} x'_0\\ x'_1\\ x'_2\\ x'_3\\ \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix}...
  32. H

    General matrix representation of lorentz boost

    Hello! I'm trying to derive the general matrix form of a lorentz boost by using the generators of rotations and boosts: I already managed to get the matrices that represent boosts in the direction of one axis, but when trying to combine them to get a boost in an arbitrary direction I always...
  33. facenian

    Confusion in Lorentz Boost Equations: Minus Sign Needed?

    On page 29 equations 2.1.20 and 2.1.21 of Gravitation and Cosmology by S. Weinberg he gives these expresions for matrix componentes: \Lambda_j^0=\gamma v_j My question is: shouldn't there be a minus sign on left side of the equation?
  34. H

    Deriving General Lorentz Boost Equation

    Greetings, I have been having trouble deriving the equation for the general Lorentz boost for velocity in an arbitrary direction. It seems to me that given the 1D Lorentz transformations... matrix for Lorentz transformation in x-direction, X: {{1/sqrt(1-v^2), -v/sqrt(1-v^2), 0, 0}...
  35. B

    Is the Wave Equation Invariant Under a Lorentz Boost?

    Homework Statement i) Show that the wave equation: [( -1/c^2) d^2/dt^2 + d^2/dx^2 + d^2/dy^2 + d^2/dz^2 ]u(t,x,y,z) = 0 is invariant under a Lorentz boost along the x-direction, i.e. it takes the same form as a partial differential equation in the new coordinates. [Use the chain rule in two...
  36. J

    Lorentz boost, electric field along x-axis, maths confusion?

    Homework Statement Given that (φ/c,A) is a 4-vector, show that the electric field component Ex for a Lorentz boost along the x-axis transforms according to Ex' = Ex. Homework Equations E_x = -\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial x} - \frac{\partial A_x}{\partial t} A_x being the x component of the...
  37. N

    The lorentz boost of the CM frame w/ respect to the lab frame

    Hi i have a problem with some work. a muon type neutrino interacts with a stationary electron, producing a muon and electron type neutrino. I have calculated the CM energy but now need to calculate gamma, the lorentz boost. γ=(Eν/2me)^1/2 How do i show this? the info i have is that...
  38. G

    Deriving the Lorentz Boost for an Arbitrary Direction

    Homework Statement So, I'm working through a relativity book and I'm having trouble deriving the Lorentz transformation for an arbitrary direction v=(v_{x},v_{y},v_{z}): \[\begin{pmatrix} {ct}'\\ {x}'\\ {y}'\\ {z}' \end{pmatrix}=\begin{pmatrix} \gamma & -\gamma \beta _{x} &...
  39. C

    Lorentz boost and equivalence with 3d hyperbolic rotations

    I was thinking that if i have for example a boost in the direction of x, then the boost should be equivalent to an hyperbolic rotation of the y and z axes in the other direction. I don't know if it's true or not. Then I want to know if somebody knows this result or why is false? I was...
  40. F

    Lorentz Boost Help: Why Use Hyperbolic Functions?

    I was reading a section on lorentz boosts and i need some help understanding what they did: the book starts off by defining the line element dS where: (dS)^2 = -(CΔt)^2 + dx^2 + dy^2 + dz^2 then they say: "consider the analogs of rotations in the (ct) plane. These transformations leave...
  41. C

    What Happens to a Photon's 4 Momentum After a Lorentz Boost?

    hi there! Just wondering... if i have a photon moving in the z direction 4 momentum given by (0,0,1,1) and I lorentz boost it in the z direction... would I get the same original 4 momentum (0,0,1,1) because i thought that boosting something at the speed of light means that it remains at...
  42. R

    Einstein Summation Convention / Lorentz Boost

    Einstein Summation Convention / Lorentz "Boost" Homework Statement I'm struggling to understand the Einstein Summation Convention - it's the first time I've used it. Would someone be able to explain it in the following context? Lorentz transformations and rotations can be expressed in...
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