Lorentz coordinate transformation
For inertial frames in standard configuration with S′ moving at v along S's x axis, x′=γ_v(x−vt), t′=γ_v(t−vx/c²), y′=y and z′=z, where γ_v=(1−v²/c²)⁻¹ᐟ².
Key knowledge
For inertial frames in standard configuration with S′ moving at v along S's x axis, x′=γ_v(x−vt), t′=γ_v(t−vx/c²), y′=y and z′=z, where γ_v=(1−v²/c²)⁻¹ᐟ². Events simultaneous in one frame need not be simultaneous in another.
Values and equations
x′=γ_v(x−vt); t′=γ_v(t−vx/c²); γ_v=(1−v²/c²)⁻¹ᐟ²
- x,x′,y,z
- Spatial coordinates m
- t,t′
- Coordinate times s
- v,c
- Frame and vacuum-light speeds m s⁻¹
- γ_v
- Dimensionless Lorentz factor
Conditions and scope
- Flat spacetime, |v|<c, parallel axes and coincident origins at t=t′=0; consistent units and synchronization convention.
- Use the inverse with v→−v; coordinate time differences are not automatically proper time.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Classical Electromagnetism (2014): Lorentz transformation: Equations 1641–1648: forward/inverse boost, excluding the preceding Galilean comparison.
2026-10-10 · Independent AI editorial review: All 136 unique authored Physics compact statements, all hypotheses and displayed equations/variable/units tables, all 192 Physics-origin semantic links, exact 165 author inspection matrix and mapped retained conceptual claims have been independently read. Three Physics-tagged Measurement realization records are delegated to root Measurement review. Scientific source verification combines exact author section inspection with independent whole compact-content/semantic review and targeted primary rechecks recorded below; it does not claim each full source body was independently reread. Independent AI editorial review is not human specialist certification or experimental replication. Field inventory is approved after independently reviewing the two added source-inspected band-construction methods. Receipt: physics-independent-content-inventory-review.1.
Entry details
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