U4AOS1 Topic 3: Length Contraction

An object travelling at high speed will contract parallel to its motion.

Such that the faster an object moves the smaller it will appear.

$t$is the length from the observer’s frame of reference.

$t_0$ is the proper length or the length of the object from the stationary frame of reference.

$L_0 = L\gamma$

$\gamma$ is the Lorentz Factor 





What is Proper Length

The proper length is the length that the object measures itself as.

e.g. If a spaceship is flying at 0.9$c$ and is measured to be 100m by the astronaut on the ship.

This is the proper length because the astronaut is moving at the same speed as the ship and is not accelerating. So the length they see will be the same length when it comes to rest (0m/s).

SIMULATION

The simulation below allows you to see the relativistic effects. A key feature is that it only contracts parallel to the direction it is travelling. 

Use the calculator below to assist you in verifying your working out. (enter 2 or more variables)