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Modern Physics
Modern Physics

Lorentz Factor

γ=11−v2c2\gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}

The factor by which time, length, and relativistic mass change for a moving object.

Variables

\gamma
Lorentz factor
unitless
v
Relative velocity
m/s
c
Speed of light
m/s

Derivation

Derived from the postulates of special relativity and the invariance of the speed of light.

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Common questions

What is the Lorentz Factor formula?

Lorentz Factor is written γ= frac{1}{√(1 - v²/c²)}. The factor by which time, length, and relativistic mass change for a moving object. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Special Relativity.

What are the units in γ= frac{1}{√(1 - v²/c²)}?

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

How is the Lorentz Factor formula derived?

Derived from the postulates of special relativity and the invariance of the speed of light. The result is γ= frac{1}{√(1 - v²/c²)}.