The simplest derivation of the Lorentz transformation
General Physics
2007-05-23 v4
Abstract
Starting from the well-known light-clock thought experiment to derive time dilation and length contraction, it is shown that finding the Lorentz Transformation requires nothing more than the most trivial vector addition formula. The form which is obtaine for the L.T. allows an easy derivation of the velocity and acceleration transformations which are also given.
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0606103,
title = {The simplest derivation of the Lorentz transformation},
author = {J. -M. Levy},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0606103},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
Latex, 4 pages, 1 figure. Two first paragraphs rewritten. Error in formula corrected. Various typo corrected. Example added (Should really be V3. But V3 identical to V2 for some reason)