Lorentz transformations are mathematical equations that describe how the coordinates of an event in space and time appear to an observer in a different inertial frame of reference. These transformations are a key component of Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity.
One of the fundamental postulates of special relativity is that the laws of physics, including the speed of light, are the same in all inertial frames of reference. This means that the speed of light is constant and independent of the motion of the source or the observer.
Lorentz transformations incorporate this postulate and provide a mathematical framework to describe how space and time coordinates transform between different frames of reference. They involve a quantity called the "Lorentz factor" (γ), which depends on the relative velocity (v) between the two frames.
When applying Lorentz transformations to the equations that describe the propagation of light, such as Maxwell's equations, a remarkable result emerges. The transformations reveal that the speed of light, denoted by "c," remains the same in all inertial frames, regardless of the motion of the source or the observer. In other words, no matter how fast or in what direction an observer is moving relative to a light source, they will always measure the speed of light to be "c."
This constancy of the speed of light in all inertial frames has been experimentally confirmed by numerous experiments, such as the Michelson-Morley experiment and subsequent experiments using modern technology. It has profound implications for our understanding of space, time, and the nature of reality, leading to the development of special relativity and revolutionizing our understanding of physics.