Quaternions in University-Level Physics Considering Special Relativity

Abstract

As an expansion of complex numbers, the quaternions show close relations to numerous physically fundamental concepts. In spite of that, the didactic potential provided by quaternion interrelationships in formulating physical laws are hardly regarded in the current physics curriculum. In particular, many approaches emerge that are useful in conveying the unity of seemingly distinct theories in a didactically convincing manner. This will be exemplified with the help of special relativity. The diverse examples of spatial and space-time rotations are merged into a didactic whole by introducing quaternion transformations and comparing them to the representation using rotation matrices common in physics books.