Clarification on length contraction

In summary, When an object travels near the speed of light and is measured from a stationary reference frame, its length will appear shorter than its proper length in its own rest frame. This is only true when using an inertial frame, as it is not possible for an object's length to be longer than its proper length.
  • #1
benk99nenm312
302
0
I ask this just to clarify something, because something I read threw me off earlier.

An object travels near the speed of light, and you are stationary. You measure the object somehow, and find it's length from your reference frame. Would it's length be shorter or longer than the proper length?

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
Shorter.
 
  • #3
benk99nenm312 said:
I ask this just to clarify something, because something I read threw me off earlier.

An object travels near the speed of light, and you are stationary. You measure the object somehow, and find it's length from your reference frame. Would it's length be shorter or longer than the proper length?

Thanks in advance.

Either.
 
  • #4
phyti said:
Either.
As long as you're using an inertial frame, it's not possible for an object's length to be longer than its proper length (length in its own rest frame).
 
  • #5
JesseM said:
As long as you're using an inertial frame, it's not possible for an object's length to be longer than its proper length (length in its own rest frame).

That's what I thought.
 

FAQ: Clarification on length contraction

1) What is length contraction?

Length contraction is a phenomenon that occurs in the theory of relativity, where an object moving at high speeds appears to be shorter in length when observed by an outside observer compared to its actual length.

2) How does length contraction occur?

Length contraction occurs because of the fact that the speed of light is constant for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. As an object approaches the speed of light, its length in the direction of motion appears to decrease due to the time dilation effect.

3) What is the formula for calculating length contraction?

The formula for calculating length contraction is L = L0 * sqrt(1 - v2/c2), where L0 is the object's rest length, v is its velocity, and c is the speed of light.

4) Is length contraction a real or an illusionary effect?

Length contraction is a real effect that has been experimentally verified. It is not an illusion, but rather a result of the fundamental laws of physics.

5) How does length contraction affect everyday objects?

Length contraction is only noticeable at extremely high speeds, such as those close to the speed of light. In everyday life, the effects of length contraction are negligible and are not noticeable in everyday objects or situations.

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