Lorentztranszformáció

The Lorentz transformation is a set of equations in special relativity that describe how measurements of space and time by two observers moving at constant velocity relative to each other are related. Developed by Hendrik Lorentz, these transformations replaced the Galilean transformations of classical mechanics, which assumed that time was absolute and universal.

The core idea behind the Lorentz transformation is that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant for all inertial observers, regardless of their motion. This postulate, along with the principle of relativity, leads to counterintuitive consequences such as time dilation and length contraction. Time dilation means that a moving clock runs slower than a stationary clock, and length contraction means that a moving object appears shorter in the direction of its motion.

The Lorentz transformations are essential for understanding phenomena at speeds approaching the speed of light. They form the mathematical foundation of special relativity, developed by Albert Einstein. The transformations can be expressed in various forms, but a common representation involves the Lorentz factor, gamma (γ), which depends on the relative velocity between the observers. A key feature is that the transformations mix space and time coordinates, demonstrating their interconnectedness. They also preserve the spacetime interval, a fundamental invariant in special relativity. The Lorentz transformations are crucial in fields like particle physics and astrophysics where high velocities are common.