Length Contraction: Lorentz vs Einstein Explained

In summary, length contraction is a concept in special relativity where an object's length appears to decrease when it is moving at high speeds. Lorentz and Einstein both proposed theories to explain this phenomenon, with Lorentz stating that objects physically contract while Einstein argues that it is a perception due to time dilation. This affects the measurement of an object's length, making it appear shorter than its actual length. While length contraction may seem like a perception, it has been confirmed through experiments and observations and has practical applications. It is typically only observable at extremely high speeds, but can also be seen in everyday life through the decay of muons in Earth's atmosphere.
  • #1
sawer
65
2
I read that: "Length contraction is caused because moving objects bend space. And that is the difference between Lorentz's and Einstein's length contraction concepts. Lorentz thought length contraction really occurs but Einstein thought that length contraction is a consequence of bending space by moving objects."

Is that correct?

I forget where I read from.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Wherever you read it from was not correct. Generally, if you cannot provide a reference, we have no way of putting it into context or judging the rest of the reference. This is why we require users to post their references. This thread is closed.
 
  • Like
Likes bcrowell

FAQ: Length Contraction: Lorentz vs Einstein Explained

1. What is length contraction?

Length contraction is a concept in special relativity that describes how an object's length appears to decrease when it is moving at high speeds relative to an observer.

2. What is the difference between Lorentz and Einstein's theories of length contraction?

Lorentz and Einstein both proposed theories of length contraction, but they differ in their explanations of why it occurs. Lorentz's theory states that objects physically contract in the direction of motion, while Einstein's theory states that it is the perception of length that changes due to the effects of time dilation.

3. How does length contraction affect the measurement of an object's length?

Length contraction causes an object's length to appear shorter when it is moving at high speeds relative to an observer. This means that the measured length of the object will be shorter than its actual length.

4. Is length contraction a real phenomenon or just a perception?

Length contraction is a real phenomenon that has been confirmed through numerous experiments and observations. While it may seem like a perception, it can be mathematically calculated and has practical implications for things like particle accelerators and GPS systems.

5. Can length contraction be observed in everyday life?

Length contraction is typically only observable at extremely high speeds, close to the speed of light. However, it can also be observed in everyday life through the decay of muons in Earth's atmosphere, which travel at high speeds and experience length contraction as a result.

Similar threads

I Perceive Length Contraction VS Terrell Penrose
Replies
14
Views
929
I An issue with length contraction
3
Replies
78
Views
5K
I Does SR Length Contraction Halve Space Travel Time?
Replies
17
Views
1K
B Does shortness from length contraction have a real physical effect?
Replies
12
Views
1K
I Relativity of Simultaneity and Length Contraction
2
Replies
54
Views
2K
I Length contraction in General Relativity
2
Replies
64
Views
4K
I Question about length contraction
2
Replies
45
Views
4K
I What causes time dilation and length contraction
Replies
10
Views
1K
B SR vs GR - Visual Difference between Length Contraction
Replies
11
Views
2K
B Any plausible explanation for dynamical length contraction?
3
Replies
83
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top