Maclaurin Series expansion of Lorentz factor

In summary, the Maclaurin Series expansion of the Lorentz factor can be found in the Wikipedia article by substituting beta for 0 in the series. The series is given by gamma(0)+beta*gamma'(0)+(beta^2)/2!*gamma''(0)+...
  • #1
MarekS
34
0

Homework Statement


Wikipedia states that the Maclaurin Series expansion of the Lorentz factor is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_factor"

Homework Equations


Relevant equations are all found in that article

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't see how this comes about. My attempt: 1+0+1/2+...

How can beta be in the expansion, when it should be substituted by 0, since the Maclaurin Series is about 0?
 
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  • #2
The maclaurin series of a function about zero is f(x) = f(0) + f'(0)x + f''(0)x2/2! + ...
 
  • #3
The Maclaurin series about 0 is given by:

[tex]\gamma(\beta)=\gamma(0)+\beta \gamma'(0)+\frac{\beta^2}{2!}\gamma''(0)+...[/tex]

Try it out.
 
  • #4
Yes, thanks. I found my error: I didn't notice the factors (beta) in the terms.
 

Related to Maclaurin Series expansion of Lorentz factor

1. What is the Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor?

The Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor is a mathematical tool used to approximate the value of the Lorentz factor, which is a key concept in the theory of relativity. It is a power series representation of the Lorentz factor, where each term in the series provides a more accurate approximation of the value.

2. How is the Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor derived?

The Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor can be derived using Taylor's theorem, which states that any smooth function can be approximated by a polynomial function. By applying this theorem to the Lorentz factor, we can derive the series expansion by calculating the derivatives of the function at a specific point.

3. What is the significance of the Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor?

The Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor is significant because it allows us to approximate the value of the Lorentz factor, which is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity. This expansion also helps us understand the behavior of the Lorentz factor as the speed of an object approaches the speed of light.

4. How accurate is the Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor?

The accuracy of the Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor depends on the number of terms used in the series. As more terms are included, the approximation becomes more accurate. However, the series is an infinite sum, so it can only provide an exact value when all terms are included.

5. In what applications is the Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor used?

The Maclaurin series expansion of the Lorentz factor is commonly used in applications involving special relativity, such as in the calculation of time dilation and length contraction. It is also used in the field of particle physics to understand the behavior of particles at high speeds.

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