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Modern Physics
Modern Physics

Length Contraction

L=L0γ=L01−v2c2L = \frac{L_0}{\gamma} = L_0\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}

Moving objects are shortened in the direction of motion as measured by a stationary observer.

Variables

L
Contracted length
m
L_0
Proper length
m
\gamma
Lorentz factor
unitless
v
Relative velocity
m/s
c
Speed of light
m/s

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Common questions

What is the Length Contraction formula?

Length Contraction is written L = L₀/γ= L₀√(1 - v²/c²). Moving objects are shortened in the direction of motion as measured by a stationary observer. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Special Relativity.

What are the units in L = L₀/γ= L₀√(1 - v²/c²)?

In SI units, L is contracted length, measured in m; L_0 is proper length, measured in m; \gamma is lorentz factor (dimensionless); v is relative velocity, measured in m/s; c is speed of light, measured in m/s.