_ Lorentz Transformation Equations The Galilean transformation equations are not suitable under the new concept of special theory of relativity, where the speed of the object or observer is comparable with the velocity of light, therefore, Galilean transformation equations must be replaced by new ones consistent with experiment. We shall now derive new transformation equations, based on two fundamental postulates of Einstein special theory of relativity. The equations relating the co-ordinates of a particle in two inertial frames are needed when one goes from one inertial frame to another in uniform motion. New transformation equations were discovered by Lorentz and are known as Lorentz transformation equations of space and time. For speeds much smaller than, the velocity of light c, the Lorentz transformation equations reduce to Galilean transformation equations. Therefore, the Einstein’s theory of relativity does not overthrow, the classical theory, but rather extends and modifies it. To derive Lorentz transformation equations for space and time, let us suppose a system of two inertial frames of reference S and S’, Let S’ is moving with uniform velocity » relative to $ and $ is at rest as shown in Fig, 5. Let two observers situated at O and O’ (origins of frames of reference S and S’ respectively) are observing any event P. For simplicity, let us assume that the X-axis of two systems coincide permanently and the velocity is parallel to X-axis, The event P is determined by the co-ordinates 1, y,z,¢ for an observer O on the stationary frame S, while the same event is determined by the co-ordinates x’, y’,2’,t’for an observer Y ‘Scanned wih CamScanner ss ,¥% 20 :P Ly, 2.0) XX= RELATIVISTIC MECHANICS Se a on the movin frame S Let the time be counted from the instant when the origins O and O° momentarily coincide. In our new transformation, the measurement in the X-direction made in frame S must be linearly proportional to that made in S”. That is, x’=y(x-vt) we) where 7 is the proportionality constant According to the first postulate of spe , ‘ theory of relativity, the equations relating the physical quantities (or laws of physics) have the same form in both primed (S") and unprimed (S) frames of reference. Therefore, the equation corresponding to equation (1) for x in terms of x” and will be same as equation (1) except that » will be replaced by -. That is, xay(x’+ ot’) w(2) where t # Substituting the value of x’ from equation (1) in equation (2), we get x=y[y(x—vt)4vt'] or Sayx-yot + vt’ 7 of hayes (1-4) (3) Similarly, we can achieve t = yt’+ (4) ‘The value of y can be evaluated with the help of second postulate. Let a flash of light is emitted from the common origin of S and S’ at time t = t’=0. The flash travels with the velocity of light ¢ which is same in both frames (2 nd Postulate). After some time the position of flash as seen from the observers in frames Ss and S'is given by xect and x’=ct Substituting these values of x and x’ in equations (1) and (2), we get ct’=yt(c-v) and ct=yt'(c+¥) Multiplying both these equations with each other, we get a =f -P) or Paar 1 : z (5) Tee) Substituting the value of 7 from equation (5) in equation (1), we get x -vt AG) = (1-v? / ¢?) Squaring equation (5) Substituting this value of | or ‘Scanned wih CamScanner~ ASICS X-axis, we have vel along the In cases where flash of light is not restricted to travel along and jon equati 7 Tl z transformation equations for spac, i) The equat 6), (7) a are known as Lorentz © an "asformaon eration are frequently used in the transformation of the n equations are freq onal nt ftom ‘one frame of reference into other frame of reference, These transform co-ord iy | ates of an Inverse Lorentz Transformation Equations The space and time comordinates (¢,,y.2:1) of an event in the stationary System S can be oby PS ayy tem 5” by replacing » by ~ and by interch, ined noving, sy i ANgINg the pg; and unprimed co-ordinates in equations (6), (7) and (8). The resulting transformation equations are : on, Mt Cex VIC yy and 222! , ya-7 2) 6 fon equations represented by equation (9) are identical with Lorentz transfor, Satiations represented by equations (6), (7) and (8) and are called Inverse Lorentz. transform, equations. (For their derivations see evample 8) The transforma ition ation The most important aspect of the Lorentz transformation equations is that the measurements in space and time are no longer absolute, but relative and depend upon the frame of reference of thy observer. The two events which are simultaneous when viewed by an observer in one frame of reference not simultaneous when viewed by an another observer sitting in second frame of reference which is moving with constant velocity relative to first. The most significant concl ‘on of Lorentz transformations is that it Timits the maximum velocity ofthe material bodies. According to the conclusion, nothing can move with a velocity greater than the velocity of light, ¢ or v should always be less than ¢ ‘The Lorentz transformation equations reduce to the classical Galilean tran: xv sformation equations when v<=¢ x-vt, y’ 2 and ¢s Example 8: Derive Lorentz inverse transformations, Solution: Well known Lorentz transforma n equations are: Solving for x and ¢, we find / VV(1= 92/2) = dl NUP) et anf op we fie. a (2) e Substituting the value of from eqn. (2) fn ean. (1) and solving, we get ‘Scanned wih CamScanner- i i ue + a =(V + wt’) fH \o or =] 2 1/2 FS |e tory 1 We) d-P/2) | i aes (=P /2) x+ve Weve 3) Similarly, substituting the value of x from eqn, (8) in eqn. (2), we hy ave ts f-Ses[ foe x tv vxle We) a Ve re Pie er t a 5) ( rie vxie or e=/-o ely ( é ce me yore er ts (1-3) to 7141 wile wre) * Aare t-ttyx/2 Tere “8 Hence, Lorentz inverse transformation equations are tye F tt vx’ / 2 » Y=y', Z=z and t= vi-v? / W-vie Example 9: Show that space-time interval, x? + y° + x2 — c:? is invariant under Lorentz transformation, | [UPTU, B. Tech. I Sem. (C.O.) 2003, II Sem. 2005, Il Sem. 2006] or | Show that space-time or interval between two events remain invariant under Lorentz transformation [UPTU B.Tech. I Sem. 2007] | Solution: Suppose (x, y,2,¢) and (x’, y',2’, 1’) ate the co-ordinates of the same event observed by two observers in stationary frame of reference S and in moving frame S’ respectively. Let frame $’ be moving with constant velocity v relative to S in positive direction of X. We have to prove using Lorentz transformations that Pe Par PP avrts Yor? Al) ‘The Lorentz transformation equations are ‘Scanned wih CamScannerSSS “La ° in the right hand side of equation (1), we by \ Substituting these values of x +2” an et we Alt ( 4 Pe? -2t" = are Pre 7 mee ay PP -aavt—2 (242% _ tev x A +p be “a a oe A al? PP -2xt-2 “Pts, 2 2 let S}eat-S po [2-2 2] + 97 +27 = LHS. of equation (1) 2 (2 or gta yPert-PPereyer—ee Hence, x? + y? + 2? ~ c?¢ is invariant under Lorentz transformation. “a wa — iple 10: If at the time t = t'=0, the origins of systems S and S' just coincide and a spherical puly Hight is produced at the common origin, show that the speed of propagation of the spherical wavefront the same in both systems-namely c. (where system S’ is moving relative to stationary system S). or |Show that the velocity of light is an absolute constant. [UPTU, B.Tech I Sem (old) 2048} Solution: According to the problem, the origin of two systems S and S’ just coincide at ¢ =!’ =0. Tr system S is at rest while S’ is moving with fixed velocity relative to S. Let spherical pulse start from:| point where co-ordinates relative to S and S" are (x, y,z,t) and (x’, y’,2’, ¢") respectively. We know that Pe Pe Pa? and x24 yPez2% 202 p2 Al) The Lorentz transformation equations are ee ang pa tele) = J'=y,2'=z and t'= (2) a-772) Ja-F72) From equation (1), we have EEL aug conser 8 v Substituting the values of x”, 7,2’ and ¢’ in equation (3) from equation (2), we get lle P02) + P+ 222 [e-m1) a? 72) [Ge =v0)? +? +22) U2)? o (tax) ing a factor of x7 {1 2), th f . dding and subtracting a factor ~ 3 Jin the numerator of equation (4), we get aa ae ‘Scanned wih CamScannerNS (t-vx /e*) But, Pe Pe Pie? /2 vx (-3 /2. - oP 252) [et 3) | Thus, the velocity of light is'an absolute constant and is same in both systems or the speed of | propagation of the spherical wavefront is same in both systems. Example 11: As seen by an inertial observer S a certain event takes place at x Dies |Another event takes place at x4 == at time fy = & 0 that for S the two events are simultaneous. Show that for another inertial observer S' moving along X-axis at velocity v with respect to x the events are not Ly a simultaneous, and At = — 3 , where y a oe ¢ Solution: According to Lorentz transformation equations for space and time, | | Pe or YH4(x-n1) () | h-@/e) | and pt) ge payte xi] 0) i-@/2) In the given problem, nabnek net and f= | Inthe moving s’ frame one event occurs at f mnie acca | and another event occurs at ¢ , - [toes : \« wes-arbll-d-t03) | or oe Qe ‘Scanned wih CamScanneree —1YSics.} a 20 5, 8 and 8", 8 is moving with yg i inertial frames of reference S, Example 12: Consider three inertial itic i A Telay. ‘ ie to S. Both velocities are in the same direon’ "ay to S ani S” is moving with velocity 1 mee nae. Deri 7 transformation equations relating x, y, z,t.and X") Vy ; ions for transformation from frame § tg 9 ion: According transformation equations me Solution: According to Lorentz, ee rane {i-@/2) (y Y= yle- (r/c?) yreyeree and t= alt= (or 4 1 where “a Lorentz equations for transformation from S” to S” are (0 -ut), y= 2" =2 and t= [t'~(ur/2)] 4 1 = (02 fe?) Substituting the values of x’ and fin eqn. (3) from eqns, (1) and (2), we get = y'[y(x—vt) ~ uly {t - (vx /2)}] =11U(e- vt) ~ut + (we/2)] where or ¥ oOS)s-c rar] 4) ¢ Similarly, [kt (xe?) wy (x — vt) /2] =1 Yt -vx/2 —(ux ~uvt) {2} or v uw (u+v) x I+] t- MEY) vat 3) 2 | Similarly, substituting the values of y’ and 2’ from eqn, 4) in eqn. (3), we get, and Y= and 2"=2 Example 13: An event occurs at x =100 m, y =5 m, 2 co-ordinates of this event in a frame S' which is mov [frame S along the common XX’ Im and t =1x 10-4 ing with velocity axis using Lorentz transformation, sec in a frame S, Find the 2.7 10° m/sec with respect to the Solution: According to Lorentz transformation equations (for ¢=¢’ ), we have sort 12 Tar = H2'=2 and vs a a-P 2) t Jane Here, x=100m, y=Sm, z=1m,¢=1x10~ sec andy =2 7x108 msec y= 100-2.7x108 x1 x1 ‘Scanned wih CamScanner2 ELAN U IVLECHANICS and 1-(2 7x10°) \ 3x10 9.969 x1075 ts, =2 m4 se Ps pas 287 «1074 sec Feumple 14: Determine the time [as measured hy a clock at rest (on the rocket)] taken hy a rocket to reach a distant star and return to earth with a constant velocity v = \(0.9999)¢, if the distance to the star is / right years (A light year is defined as the distance travelled by a light beam in vacuum in one, year). ‘solution: From the Lorentz. transformation equation for time, we have pa tose (1) Here x=2 x4 light year =2 x4 x365 x24 x 60 x60 xccm, = 2 .523x 108, where t is the time taken by the rocket to reach the star and back to the earth as measured by an observer ina stationary frame at earth and ¢’ is the time measured by the clock in the moving rocket for the total journey Now, t= x/y, where »=cV(0.9999) 2(% re [@n)-0r/2y] _ ce aaa x eA) “2 Substituting the values of x and v in equation (2), we get _ 2.523 x108¢ Fr 95 = 2523 «108 x (0.0001)! fc 2109999 {0.9999 2.523 x10° 23 x 108 (9999) ——-99.995 3 or = 2.523 x 10° sec or 29.2 days Example 15: A light pulse is emitted at the origin of a frame of reference S' at time t = 0. Its distance x rom the origin after a time tis given by x? = c® ¢. Use the Lorentz transformation to transform this equation to an equation in x and t and show that this is x? = ct, Discuss the implication of this result. Solution: According to the given problem, the distance of a light pulse x from the origin after a time ¢’ in the moving frame $’ is given as ‘Scanned wih CamScannerLor F=" Peet? . ions, we have From Lorentz transformation equations, t-w/e? a and C2 THe h- vs f i , we get Substituting these values of x’ and in equation (1), We BS (x-w _2E av 2 wie ie 2 ce (eve? 22 (1-77) ap oF Pad ote 2eteede eee ° P-eeere foo * 2-28 Let -2f)=0 or @-2A(-5}-0 Since v #c, therefore (: 3] #0 * 2-22.20 or wake This result shows that the velocity of light is an absolute constant independent of the frame of referenct or the equation is invariant under Lorentz transformation. He 16: In-an inertial frame S, a red light and a blue light are separated hy a distance Ax =2.45 t, with the red light at the larger value of x. The blue light flashes, and 5.35 us later the red light shes. Frame.S’ is moving in a direction Of increasing x with speed of u = 0.855 c. What is the distanct| the two flashes and the time between them as measured in S', [UPTU, B.Tech. II Sem. 2004] Sélition: According to Lorentz transformation equations the corresponding positions of two flashes até the time of their occurrence, as measured in moving frame S’, are eh yy 2 Tey ee fA 20H?) _b-Wmi2) ee) * ree The distance between the red light and blue light lashes with Tespect to an observer in moving frame 5’ is ‘Scanned with CemScanneras Ne Avert <2 -N)—Mb-h)_ Arovat oe Tee) IA) AS x103 = 7 210" mM At=5.35 x10-%s, vy =0.855 c and ¢=3 x10® m Ay =245 x10? -0.855ex5.35 x10°% 1= (0.855 c)?/c2 2.45 «103-13 2 2 - Sx 10° 13.72 x10? _10.78x10 10.78 «10° =20.78 x102 ~ [email protected] y1-0.731 0.5186 = 2.08km ‘The time between the two flashes (ty =) -v (ay —m)/P_ At-vAxl? 1-0/2 =r 1 = 5:35 x10°S ~ (0.855 ex2.45 10/2) __2:094x10" 1-0 855)? 3 x108 x0.5186 =-1.346 x10 s =-0.135 ps At =t-t = At ~ve sign shows that red light flash comes before the blue one. Ie : [Example 17: In a reference frame S an event I occurs at the origins at t = 0 and another event 2 occurs at |+=3000 meters and t = 4 x 10°° sec. Find the time interval between events as registered hy clocks in a} me S’ moving with a speed v = 0.6 crelative to S along the common X — X’ axis, the origins coinciding] Os <2 5 o Ht) S Suppose tf and fj are the times of two events 1 and 2 as registered by clocks in moving frame 2) S’. Then from Lorentz transformation equation, we have ) gp octal?) 9 Te) and ty = (agvle2) _4x10°% ~ (8000 x0 6)/8 x108) oF) 1-047) _ 4x10 -6 x1076 -6 2x10" = = 2.510 sec “~~ (0.64) 08 time interval, tf - 1 =-2.5x10"@sec The clock in frames 5’ registered the event 2 earlier than clock in frame S. SE ‘Scanned wih CamScanner