Maxwells Equations being non-invariant with Galilean transformations

In summary, the person is struggling with a simple mathematical step in understanding special relativity. The book provides a simplified version of the general transformation, but the person is having trouble seeing the relationship between the partial derivatives. The Galilean transformation is x' = x - vt; y' = y; z' = z; t' = t. The person is feeling frustrated and lacking confidence in their ability to understand the material.
  • #1
Xyius
508
4
I just purchased a book on the introduction of special relativity and I seem to be stuck on a simple mathematical step. For some reason I just can't see this!

This is what it says:
Although the general transformation above can be handled, we will
take its simplifed version in which O' is moving away from O along the
x-axis and O and O' coincided when t' = t = 0. It is easy to see that the
partial derivatives are related as follows:

[tex]\frac{∂}{∂x}=\frac{∂}{∂x'}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{∂}{∂y}=\frac{∂}{∂y'}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{∂}{∂z}=\frac{∂}{∂z'}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{∂}{∂t}=\frac{∂}{∂t'}-v\frac{∂}{∂x'}[/tex]

Gotta love getting stuck on something when the book says its "Easy to see." Confidence -1.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The Galilean transformation in this case is x' = x - vt; y' = y; z' = z; t' = t.

Apply the chain rule for partial derivatives, e.g.

$$\frac{\partial}{\partial t} =
\frac{\partial x^\prime}{\partial t} \frac{\partial}{\partial x^\prime} +
\frac{\partial y^\prime}{\partial t} \frac{\partial}{\partial y^\prime} +
\frac{\partial z^\prime}{\partial t} \frac{\partial}{\partial z^\prime} +
\frac{\partial t^\prime}{\partial t} \frac{\partial}{\partial t^\prime}$$
 

FAQ: Maxwells Equations being non-invariant with Galilean transformations

What are Maxwells Equations and Galilean Transformations?

Maxwells Equations are a set of four fundamental equations in electromagnetism that describe the relationship between electric and magnetic fields and their sources. Galilean Transformations are a set of mathematical equations that describe the relationship between the coordinates of an event in two different frames of reference.

Why are Maxwells Equations non-invariant with Galilean Transformations?

Maxwells Equations were developed based on the principles of special relativity, which states that the laws of physics should remain the same in all inertial frames of reference. However, Galilean Transformations only hold true in classical mechanics, which does not take into account the effects of relativity. Therefore, when applying Galilean Transformations to Maxwells Equations, the equations are not invariant, meaning they do not hold true in all frames of reference.

What is the significance of Maxwells Equations being non-invariant with Galilean Transformations?

The fact that Maxwells Equations are non-invariant with Galilean Transformations highlights the limitations of classical mechanics in explaining the behavior of electromagnetic phenomena. It also demonstrates the need for the development of the theory of special relativity in order to fully understand and accurately describe the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.

How do we account for the non-invariance of Maxwells Equations with Galilean Transformations?

To account for this non-invariance, we must use the theory of special relativity and the more accurate Lorentz transformations, which take into account the effects of relativity on the behavior of electromagnetic fields. These transformations result in modified versions of Maxwells Equations, known as the Maxwell-Lorentz Equations, which are invariant with respect to the Lorentz transformations.

Can Maxwells Equations be made invariant with Galilean Transformations?

No, it is not possible to make Maxwells Equations invariant with Galilean Transformations while still accurately describing the behavior of electromagnetic fields. Any attempts to do so would result in a violation of the principles of special relativity. Therefore, the use of Lorentz transformations and Maxwell-Lorentz Equations is necessary to maintain the correct physical interpretation of electromagnetic phenomena.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
101
Views
5K
Replies
18
Views
4K
Replies
22
Views
2K
Back
Top