Lorentz transformation
Lorentz transformations form the group of linear isometries of Minkowski space.
In physics, a Lorentz transformation is the conversion of space and time between two different inertial frames of reference.
According to Einstein the principles of Special Relativity are mathematically expressed by Lorentz transformations owing to which it is possible to transform equations for mechanical and electromechanical phenomena between inertial systems.[1]
Mathematics of the Transforms
Displacement and Time
The transformation from one coordinate system <math> (x, y, z, t) </math> to another system, <math> (x', y', z', t') </math>, moving past this one at speed u, and with <math>x </math> and <math> x' </math> axes colinear is:
<math> x' = \gamma (x -ut) </math>
<math> y' = y </math>
<math> z' = z</math>
<math> t' = \gamma (t - \frac{ux}{c^2} ) </math>
where <math> \gamma </math> is the Lorentz factor[2].
Velocity Transforms
The velocity transforms can be found by differentiating the displacement transforms with respect to time. For the above coordinate systems, we find:
<math> v'_x = \frac{v_x -u}{1- \frac{u v_x}{c^2}} </math>
<math> v'_y = \frac{v_y}{\gamma (1- \frac{u v_x}{c^2})} </math>
<math> v'_z= \frac{v_z}{\gamma (1- \frac{u v_x}{c^2})} </math>