Length Contraction Calculator

The length contraction calculator can be used to determine the apparent length of an object moving at a high velocity. For calculation enter the true length (m), object velocity (m/s) and speed of light (m/s) into the calculator. Click on calculate button, it will display apparent length (m) in result field.

Online Length Contraction Calculator

Enter any 2 values to calculate the missing variable.




























What Is Length Contraction Calculator

The Length Contraction Calculator is a helpful tool. It is used to calculate the apparent length of an object moving at a high velocity. This phenomenon is explained by the theory of relativity and is important in physics. The calculator has two modes: Basic and Advanced. The Basic mode calculates the apparent length based on true length and velocity. The Advanced mode includes an additional factor for time dilation.

Formulas

1. Basic Calculation

Variable Description
True Length The actual length of the object in meters
Object Velocity The speed at which the object is moving in meters per second
Speed of Light The constant speed of light in meters per second (299,792,458 m/s)

Formula:

Calculation Examples

1. Basic Example

Variable Value
True Length 10 meters
Object Velocity 200,000,000 m/s

Calculation:

Step Calculation

Apparent Length =

True Length × √(1 – (Object Velocity² / Speed of Light²))

10 × √(1 – (200,000,000² / 299,792,458²))
Result 7.45 meters

2. Advanced Example

Variable Value
True Length 10 meters
Object Velocity 200,000,000 m/s
Time Dilation Factor 1.2

Calculation:

Step Calculation

Adjusted Apparent Length =

True Length × √(1 – (Object Velocity² / Speed of Light²)) × Time Dilation Factor

10 × √(1 – (200,000,000² / 299,792,458²)) × 1.2
Result 8.94 meters

How to Use the Calculator

Step Basic Calculator Advanced Calculator
1. Select Calculator Type Click “Basic Calculator” button. Click “Advanced Calculator” button.
2. Enter Values – True Length (in meters) <br> – Object Velocity (in meters per second) – True Length (in meters) <br> – Object Velocity (in meters per second) <br> – Time Dilation Factor
3. Click Calculate Click “Calculate” button. Click “Calculate” button.
4. View Result View the Apparent Length in the result field. View the Adjusted Apparent Length in the result field.
5. Reset Fields Click “Reset” button to clear all fields. Click “Reset” button to clear all fields.

FAQ

1. What is length contraction?

Length contraction is a phenomenon in special relativity where an object in motion is measured to be shorter along the direction of motion than when it is at rest.

2. Why is the speed of light constant?

The speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics, denoted by “c”. It remains constant in all frames of reference, as established by Einstein’s theory of relativity.

3. What is time dilation?

Time dilation is a difference in the elapsed time measured by two observers, due to a relative velocity between them or a difference in gravitational potential. In the context of this calculator, it affects the apparent length of moving objects.

 

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