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Length Contraction

Physics: AQA A Level, topic 12.3.4

Length Contraction

A moving object becomes shorter at high velocity.

Length contraction

Length contraction

  • As objects move faster in an inertial frame of reference, they will become shorter.
  • This is known as length contraction.
Length contraction formula

Length contraction formula

  • The formula once again relies on the Lorentz factor.
  • l=l0×1−v2c2l = l_0 \times \sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}
  • l is the moving length.
  • l0l_0 is the length at rest (v = 0).
  • v is the moving velocity.
  • c is the speed of light.

Test yourself on Length Contraction

  • Which is the correct formula for length contraction?

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