Re: My Quests on Learning Lorentz Transformation


Eka Siswanto wrote:
Thanks, your explanation is very plausible. But, I think, the real
problem is not how to derive, but lays in using common sense to
interpret the above function.

If I try to quantify, for example x and x' in metre, t and t' in
second, the functions :

{ Dt = A Dt' + B Dx'
{ Dx = C Dt' + D Dx'

Suggests the addition of time quantity toward distance quantity, i.e.
how to make sense, for example 5 seconds + 7 metres ?

Unless I am using another perspective by assuming that x, x', t, t'
belongs to the same classification, then the above function can be
accepted, or do I miss some important aspect regarding this ?

A, B, C, D are not necessarily whole numbers, Eka. They can have units.
For example, I can easily write x = x' + A*t. All that has to happen is
that A have units velocity. Surely you've seen a formula like x = x' +
v*t.

If you haven't, then really you shouldn't be trying to learn relativity
before learning some basic physics.

PD


Rgds
Eka S.

.