Theorey of Relativity, Chapter 1-1
Theorey of Relativity, Chapter 1-1
Lorentz Transformations
Introduction : We
relativity, "Physicalenunciate
the fundamental
of law is independent of thepostulate of theory
reference, i.e., a inertial frame of
physical law has the same meaning in all
frames". This postulate is called the postulate of inertial of
law. covariance of physical
As an example we take the speed of
speed of light is the same for all inertial light to be aphysical law i.e., the
direction or the speed of the earth. frames. It does not depend on its
2.1 The New Concept of Space and
The negative result of Michelson Time and Morley's experiment
was explained by Lorentz and
Fitzgerald. These mathematicians
changed the concept of space and time considered under
mechanics. According to them, material body moving with Newtonian
velocity v
I/2
through ether is contracted by the factor in the direction of
motion of body. The failure of Michelson and Morley's experiment led
Einstein to formulate the new concept of space and time. He ruled out the
ether hypothesis. He said that no experiment could detect the velocityof
earth through ether. His conclusion was that the motion relative to material
bodies hasphysical significance while the motion through ether is meaning
less. In other words, there is no such thing as anabsolute motion and all
motions are relative. The physical laws are independent of the motion of
observer.
-X
Fig. 1
18
SupposeOis the
Theory of Relativh,
velocity of earth. Supposemiddle
that
point of the straight line X'X
thetwo clocks
at X'andX. In
said tobe
any
co-ordinate giving aboslute and vis the
system, the events occuring at time are ke
simultaneous
time when the events if the clocks placed at Xand X Xand Ya
at XandX occur. It can not be so. For, if a indicate the son
simultaneously,
neously the observer at O, onthen theseoflight signals willlight
account the fact that the time
signal is gives
not reach simulta.
light signal from Xto Ois OX' t, taken by the
C-v and the
time t, taken by the light
wom Xto O is OX signal
such that
OX' OX
C-V = h, as
Therefore
C+y
the time is not C-v#ctv, 0X=0X.
to another inertial
system, i.e.,
absolute. It varics from one inertial system
t' + t.
concept of absolute time. Therefore Einstein further ruled out the
According to
absolute and thereforeGalilean transformations.
the distance x'= x -vt. Since time tis not
between two points measured in two
inertial systems cannot be absolute, i.e., it cannot be
equationx' =x-vt. Hence, Einstein also ruled out theexpressed byof classical
space.Hesaid that the theory ofrelativity having concept absolute
time isnot valid for new concept of space and
mechanical phenomenon and also for all optical and
electromagnetic
parts : phenomenon.The theory of relativityis divided into two
() Special theory of
It deals with relativity.
inertial system,
i.e., systems moving with
velocity.
(ii) General theory of
uniioTrl
It deals with relativity.
velocity. non-inertial system, i.e., systems moving with accelera leu
2.2 Postulates of
Special Theory of Relativity
() The natural laws must (Kanpur Maths. Relativity 2002)
astate preserve their forms relative to all observers in
ofrelative uniform motion.
According to this postulate, velocity is
relative. It is a not absolue
fact drawn fom the failure of
experimenttwhich was Michelson and mo
ether. performed determine
to velocityofearth through
Lorentz Transfomations
19
Theory of Rela
These are Galilean
These facts prove transformations.
Galilean transformations. that Lorentz transfonations are
Problem 1:(b). Lorertz superi-
()v=c
(iii) v>>c
transformation
(ii) v<<c reduces to Galilean one if
(iv) None of these
Solution: Ans. (i) namely v<<c
(Kanpur (Maths) Relativity 2
See Problem 1 (a).
Problem 1: (c). The basic theory
) Lorentz transformation offields is governed by the :
(in) Laplace transformation
(iii) Legendre's formalism
(iv) Lagrange's formalism
Solution :Ans. (i). (Kanpur M.Sc. Physics 200
gives
V
v'
o(1-)
Lorentz Transfomations 23
Let x and x bethe points of the same rod along X-axis at the time
", measured by an observer S' system.The observations ofboth end points
of the rod are taken at the satne time 't' sothat
=t=t
P'=length of rod in S' system =x-x
X, = B(x t v), x, = B( t v).
I=x, -x = B( -x) t vB( -t)= Bl'. For = .
24
Theory of Relativiy
ri(
1/2
or
\ 1/2
or l'=l I' <l.
This proves that the apparent length of a rigid body in
the direction
of its motion is reduced by the 1/2
factor1-
Hence: Every rigid body appears to be longest when at rest
observer (i.e., l> l'). If the body moves with uniform velocityrelative to the
vrelative to
the observer, then its apparent length is contracted by ,2
thefacior| 1
in the direction ofrelative motion (!'<). means
Hence the Problem. actor
Example :Obtain the transformation ofthe Lorentz contraction factor in
the two inertial frames of references.
Hint : Refer the last Article.
() (i) l/v
where B=
Lorentz Transformations 25
..2)
Write At=t,- t, Ar' = -1
Then (2) -(1)gives
A =BAt ..3)
2-/2
At =a1 1-=1+:
The physical significance of equation (3) is as follows:
The interval At', as it appears to the observer in
motion, is
lengthened, i.e., the time is dilated and hence the name "time dilation". It
means that the timne interval Atappears to be dilated or
factor B to the moving observer. Thus, according lengthened
by the
to (3), a
moving relative to an observer is found to run more slowly than theclockone
which is at rest relativeto him. In other words, aphysical process of finite
duration will take a much longer time in a moving frame than it would be in
a frame at rest.
Reversing our process, let us suppose that the clock is placed at a
point x in the system S'. If the clock gives a signal at time t in S' and t,
is the corresponding time in S, measured by the observer in S, then, by
Lorentz inverse transformation,
Similarly,
Then
At=4-,-B(-4) =BAr.
Or At= BA.
....4)
This, At> At.
Itsays that the time interval At' appears to be
Bto an observer moving with dilated by the factor
velocity relative to S'. This is the same
- V
conclusion, discussed as above.
Hence, from above reasoning we may say, "A moving clock
always
"ppears togo slow". Consequently to the observer in motion the clock at
26
Theory of Relativiy
rest appears to be
retarded by the factor
retardation of clocks.
From what
This is apparent
Every clock appears to gohasat been done it follows that:
relative to the observer. If the its fastest rate when it is
velocity , then it appears to go clock
at its moves at rest
w.r.t. the observer with
slowest rate by the factor.
For A At
= 22.7 year
t, =B|
Hence, , - | =ß(-) +B-,)
C
dx' dy dz'
dt' dt'
Lorentz reverse transfomations are
Taking differentials,
dx= Bdx' + vdt'), dy =dy', dz = dz',dt =B dt t de'
dx B(de' +vdt') de
dt
dy dy ld°'
dt +) | dx'
Bar dt
-ufa(+)
30
Theory of Relativty
Similary, u, =
Thus.
-/0(1*)
The velocity
ing the velocity (u,,components
(uy, hy, u) represent the result
yy, u) and (v, 0, 0). compound
Deductions: Hence the Problem.
() If we write u,' = u', u,
=0, u' =0, then
u, = (u' +
This is the relativistic law of
direction i.e., X-axis. addition of two velocities in the same
(ii) The velocity oflight is an
of the reference system. absolute constant independent ofthe motion
For proving this, take u' = c.
Then
CV
c(c+) =c
1+ C+y
2c-1- m 2c - ( + m)
2c?- (l + m) c+ Im Im
2c -(1+ m) t
31
Lorentz Transformations
lm
l, m>0 ’ C
>0
Im
2c-(+m) + > 2c -( t m)
2c-(l+ m)
+m)l
Im
<1
2c-(l+m)+,C
Proved.
(iv) The addition of any velocity to the elocity of lightis simply equal to
C.
Then
1+
u'v ctC=e
1+
cC 2 =c.
Proved
We have
so that dt =Bdt' + d
dt
32
Theory of Relati
u, = du, u, +v d u, ty dr
dt dr
1+ Vu,' di
u,|1+ - (v+u)
Vu, Vu,
ri= ut y÷
. For
B1+ B3
du, du, dt
dt
vu,
Thus,
M3
Lorentz Transformations 33
Similarly, u, =BM2 M3
M-1+ Vu,
where
6--(-~)--r
2.9 Relativity of time. Proper time
(Kanpur Maths Relativity 2002)
The time recorded by aclock moving with a given system is called
proper time for that system.
Considertwo frames ofreference Sand S'.S' is moving with velocity
Vrelative to S along X-axis. Now we imagine that the observer in Sis at rest
and the observer in S' is in an aeroplane who is moving with
Xaxis. velocity valong
Suppose the observer in S records the time t for the journey of the
Observer in the aeroplane. Let r' be the time recorded by the observer in S",
Coresponding to timet. Then
X= v.. (distance = velocity x time)
t=B ,by Lorentz transformations.
Relatr
-plr---~)-B: 1/2
-i(t-}"s-)
<t.
t' <t
ie. time recorded in S' <time recorded in S.
From this it follows tht
t oclocks in the two systems run at different rates. Also it is
clear tha.
moving clock runs moreslowly than a stationary one. We thus concludet
there are two proper times.
Problem: Discuss the concept ofSim ultaneity in special theory ofrelati
Explain how it revolutionizes the concept of time in the theory.
Hint: For this refer Articles 2.6 and 2.9.
2.10 Lorentz transformation form a group
Theorem: To prove that Lorentz transformations form a group
Or
The results of two successive Lorentz transformations is a Loren
transformation.
Or call
To show that Lorentztransformation equationspossess theso
(Kanpur199%
'group properties'.
oftwc
Proof : To provethe theorem, we have to prove that the resultant
successive Lorentz transformations is a Lorentz transformauotmovingw
Consider three frames ofreference S,., S"", where Swith
is
velocity
velocity vrelative to S along X-axis and S" is moving fran
relative of S' along X-axis. By L equations,the
S and S' can be Lorentztransformation
related as
where
where
Write
If we show that
..4)
1 1
-(v+v
2
=e+2w' +
Vy')2
or
1+
.t}=ß" (-v"), by (0),6
x" =B" (r-y")
Again from (2) and (1).
)/2
At=
10-7 =7.087 x 10- second.
0.1411
Problem 3:Aparticle with a meanproper lifetime of2usec moves through
the laboratory witha speed of0.9c. Calculate its lifetime as measured by
anobserver in the laboratory.
Solution : By the result of timne dilation.
.....1)
ar=a
of
Contraction
Problems Related to Lorentz
dimensions represented by 6i t 7j meters in
Problem 6:Abody has the represented in the system
reference system S. How these dimensions be
will
moving with velocity. 0.6calong +ive x-axisi, j being unit vector
S'?IfS' is
along respective axes.
Solution:By theresult of Lorentz contraction.
r=-)
Given v=0.6c so that 1 - (/)=1-0.36 = 0.64 = (0.8).
Hence, 1' =6(0.8) = 4.8.
The dimension of thebody along x-axis in S' system is 4.8. But there
isno contraction in the direction of y-axis, since there is no motion along
y-axisin S'.Hence, the body will be represented by 4.8 i+7j meters in S
system.
Problem 6(a) : Show that the ellipse * ty= a in frame S appears
to bean ellipse in S' which is moving with velocity v relative to S along
X-axis. (Kanpur Maths (Relativity) 2000, 2002)
Solution:By Lorentz transformation,
Here
fr=(1-By" 5-(1-By;.f.=(1-B.
B(vlc) =0.98 and so 1- B(Refer Deduction of Aricle
:.(1-B2= (0.042= (0.2) =0.008 =l-(0.98Y =0.04
f=(1-Bye f=0.008 x3 =0.024,
f=(1-Br-0.04 x4-0.16.
S=(1-ß =0.04 x 12 = 048
f-iftjf,
Problem 20 : Deduce tkf, =
0.024 i +0.16j
+0.48k
mation equations. Fresnel's coefficient of drag from
Deduce
tion theorem. Fresnel's Or Lorentz transjor
coefficie nt of drag from
Solution:
velocity v Consider two inertial
along positive
rela tivistic velocity addi
index of
water. systems S, S',
We may direction X-axis. where S'is moving wiu
of
water. So
i.e.,relativewater has velocitysuppose S as our Suppose uis the refractive
to S'. vand c/u=u' islaboratory and S', the
If Vis the the velocity of lightto moving
laboratory), then velocity of a light water,
particle (photon) relative to S (i.e.,
C
V= 1+
C
1+
1
Coefficient of drag = =1
expression was theoretically obtained by Fresnel and so it is
This
Fizeau.
called Fresnel's coefficient ofdrag. It was experimentally verified by
of
Remark:Explain the result of Fizeau's experiment with the help
relativistic lawof composition of velocities.
Problem 21 : Ifa photon travels the path in such a way that it
moves in x'y'-plane and makes an angle ¢ with x-axis of system S', then
u, t u=c for the system S.
assumption, u=ccos , u',=c sin o so that (u)+ (u)c.
48
Theony ot PReai
Problem 22:Ifu and vare two velocities in the same
resultant velocity givenby direction 1and V:
(BHU 19
tank C = tanh4 tanh- }
then deduce the law of composition of velocities from this
equation
Solution :Given that (Kanpur Maths Relativity 2)
tanh-=tanh- 4 tanh- y
C C
This equation is expressible as
tlog C-V
+=}log tL +} log C+y
C-u C-V
Or
log c-Plog C+u C+V C-s C-v
2V
-l=-(utv)c
2(u +v)c
+
uv .-1
C-Vc-(u +v)c+ uv
-(u+ v)e+uy
(u+ vye
-l=-1+ c(u+v)
c+ uv
c(u+ v) c(u+v)
c(u +v)
Vc (u +)
V tv
1+
This is the required
cxpression for V.