Modern Physics
Time Dilation
Moving clocks run slower. Time measured in the rest frame is shorter than time measured by a moving observer.
Variables
Δts
Dilated time (observed)
Allowed values: greater than 0
Δt0s
Proper time
Allowed values: greater than 0
γunitless
Lorentz factor
Allowed values: 1 or more
vm/s
Relative velocity
cm/s
Speed of light
Allowed values: greater than 0
Your notes
0/5000
Constants in this formula
Other modern physics formulas with the same quantities
- Relativity of Simultaneity (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Relative velocity, Speed of light
- Relativistic Momentum (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Speed of light
- Relativistic Total Energy (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Speed of light
- Relativistic Kinetic Energy (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Speed of light
- Proper Time (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Speed of light
- Mass-Energy Equivalence (Special Relativity) shares Speed of light
Where this formula is listed
- Modern Physics formulas, under Special Relativity, alongside Energy-Momentum Relation, Relativistic Velocity Addition and Relativistic Doppler Effect.
- In the modern physics list it comes after Lorentz Factor and before Length Contraction.
- Modern Physics formula sheet, one of 41 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Time Dilation formula?
Time Dilation is written Δt = γΔt₀ = Δt₀/√(1 − v²/c²). Moving clocks run slower. Time measured in the rest frame is shorter than time measured by a moving observer. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Special Relativity.
What are the units in Δt = γΔt₀ = Δt₀/√(1 − v²/c²)?
In SI units, Δt is dilated time (observed), measured in s; Δt₀ is proper time, measured in s; γ is lorentz factor (dimensionless); v is relative velocity, measured in m/s; c is speed of light, measured in m/s.