Derivative of a Lorentz-Transformed Field

In summary, the question is asking why there is another Lorentz transformation acting on the derivative of the RHS. This is because of the covariant transformation rules, where both the coordinate and derivative operator must be boosted. The notation shown demonstrates that the derivative transforms as covariant vector components, indicating that it transforms as the covariant components of a vector field.
  • #1
looseleaf
24
1
Please help me understand this line from P&S, or point me towards some resources:

Screen Shot 2019-09-06 at 2.07.29 PM.png


Why is there another Lorentz transformation acting on the derivative on the RHS?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Oh wait, I realize now it comes from the covariant transformation rules. Is it because we have to boost both the coordinate and the derivative operator?
 
  • #3
It's just using the chain rule. A more careful notation is
$$\phi'(x')=\phi(x)=\phi(\hat{\Lambda}^-1 x').$$
Then it's clear that
$$\partial_{\mu}' \phi'(x')=\frac{\partial x^{\nu}}{\partial x^{\prime \mu}} \partial_{\nu} \phi(x)=\left [{(\Lambda^{-1})^{\nu}}_{\mu} \partial_{\nu} \phi(x) \right]_{x=\hat{\Lambda}^{-1} x'},$$
which shows that ##\partial_{\mu}## transforms as covariant vector components, i.e., ##\partial_{\mu} \phi## transforms as the covariant components of a vector field.
 
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Related to Derivative of a Lorentz-Transformed Field

What is a Lorentz transformation?

A Lorentz transformation is a mathematical formula that describes the relationship between two reference frames that are moving at a constant velocity relative to each other. It is a fundamental concept in the theory of special relativity.

What is the derivative of a Lorentz-transformed field?

The derivative of a Lorentz-transformed field is the rate of change of the field with respect to time and space coordinates after undergoing a Lorentz transformation. It is a way to describe how the field changes when viewed from different reference frames.

Why is the derivative of a Lorentz-transformed field important?

The derivative of a Lorentz-transformed field is important because it allows us to understand how physical quantities, such as energy and momentum, behave in different reference frames. This is crucial in the theory of special relativity, which states that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers moving at a constant velocity.

How is the derivative of a Lorentz-transformed field calculated?

The derivative of a Lorentz-transformed field can be calculated using the chain rule of calculus. This involves taking the derivative of the original field with respect to its untransformed coordinates and then multiplying it by the Lorentz transformation factor.

What are some real-world applications of the derivative of a Lorentz-transformed field?

The derivative of a Lorentz-transformed field has many applications in modern physics, including particle accelerators, nuclear reactors, and GPS technology. It is also used in the study of high-energy physics and cosmology to understand the behavior of particles and fields at extreme speeds and in different reference frames.

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