Length Contraction: Can Fundamental Particles Contract?

In summary, the concept of length contraction and time dilation is an observer-dependent phenomenon. In their own frame of reference, particles like electrons, quarks, and protons do not experience contraction. However, when observed from a moving frame, their length appears to contract. This can be explained by considering the x- and t-coordinates of the particles. When considering a specific example of a hydrogen atom traveling at high speeds, the wave function of the orbiting electron and its position expectation value do not change, but the x- and t-coordinates do.
  • #1
touqra
287
0
If the length of an object could contract under length contraction, what about fundamental particles, like electrons, quarks, protons, etc? After all, an object is made up of a lattice/group of particles.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
They all contract as observed by an observer moving relative to them.

The length-contraction/time-dilation is an artifact of that observer's space-time reference system. In their own frame of reference the "electrons, quarks, protons, etc" are not being squashed!

Garth
 
  • #3
Garth said:
They all contract as observed by an observer moving relative to them.
The length-contraction/time-dilation is an artifact of that observer's space-time reference system. In their own frame of reference the "electrons, quarks, protons, etc" are not being squashed!
Garth

Yes, that's what I wanted to ask. In our frame, we see length of objects being contracted. So, how about particles like protons, electrons etc? How would the traveling particles look like in our frame? After all, objects are made of particles. So, length contraction needs to be explained in terms of particles.

Secondly, consider a hydrogen atom, having an electron orbiting around a proton. This hydrogen atom travels close to speed of light, from what we observe. How does this change the wavefunction of the orbiting electron and also the electron's position expectation value?
 
  • #4
It does not really change the wave function. It is the x- and t-coordinates that change. You could calculate the wave function in the rest frame and then transform the result to your frame.
 

FAQ: Length Contraction: Can Fundamental Particles Contract?

What is length contraction?

Length contraction is a phenomenon in which the length of an object appears to decrease when it is in motion relative to an observer. This is a consequence of Einstein's theory of special relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion.

How does length contraction occur?

Length contraction occurs because, according to special relativity, the speed of light is constant for all observers. As an object moves faster, the time it takes for light to travel from one end of the object to the other decreases, causing the object to appear shorter in the direction of motion.

Can fundamental particles contract?

Yes, fundamental particles such as electrons and protons can also undergo length contraction. However, the effect is not as noticeable as it is for larger objects, as fundamental particles are already incredibly small and traveling at very high speeds.

Is length contraction real or just an illusion?

Length contraction is a real phenomenon that has been confirmed through numerous experiments and observations. It is an inherent property of the universe and is not just an illusion.

Does length contraction violate the idea of conservation of energy?

No, length contraction does not violate the principle of conservation of energy. The energy of an object is not affected by its motion, but rather by its mass and velocity. Length contraction does not change an object's mass, only its perceived length from different reference frames.

Similar threads

B Why does length contraction occur and how does it relate to time dilation?
2
Replies
63
Views
4K
I Perceive Length Contraction VS Terrell Penrose
Replies
14
Views
943
B Does shortness from length contraction have a real physical effect?
Replies
12
Views
1K
I Question about length contraction
2
Replies
45
Views
4K
B Check my understanding of Time Dilation and Length Contraction
Replies
11
Views
1K
B Is length contraction (Lorentz transformation) an illusion or real?
Replies
24
Views
2K
B SR vs GR - Visual Difference between Length Contraction
Replies
11
Views
2K
B On time dilation and length contraction
Replies
34
Views
3K
B Take on Length Contraction at relativistic speeds
4
Replies
115
Views
9K
B Light Clock & Length Contraction in GR
Replies
23
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top