Why Maxwell equations are not invariant under Galilean transformations, but invariant under Lorentz transformations? What is the deep physical meaning behind it?
Tell me more
×
Physics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for
active researchers, academics and students of physics. It's 100% free, no registration required.
|
|
The simplest answer is that Galilean transformations do not preserve the invariance of light's speed but Lorentz transformations do. Are you looking for something deeper? |
|||
|
|
|
It tells you that the phenomena of electromagnetism are inherently relativistic and unlike mechanics there is no "Newtonian" low-velocity non-relativistic limit. Hence the equations have Lorentz structure built into them. |
|||
|
|
|
This is because electromagnetic radiation is a manifestation of some properties of the spacetime, consequently it has to be invariant under those transformations which preserves the spacetime interval invariant. |
|||
|
|
