Length Contraction Calculator
Objects appear different to observers when they are moving, especially at a high rate of speed. Calculate how small they seem to be with this length contraction tool.
Required Information
Observed Length:
Create Date: September 26, 2024
Last Modified Date: November 17, 2024
When calculating length contraction of an object, you will use two variables:
When you use this tool you will get a single number back which is the new perceived length of the object from a standstill observer. This is not the length that the object will contract by, it is the new perceived length post-contraction of the object, by someone who is not moving. This is shown in feet by default but can be converted into other units of length measurement by choosing them from the dropdown menu.
Length contraction is an interesting concept in the universe. It can be calculated with just a few steps when using this tool. The steps include:
Let's say we are evaluating an asteroid that is moving through space. We know that it is about 50 feet long and is moving at a speed of 115,000 miles per second. We can use this tool to find its perceived length after experiencing length-contraction. We will enter 50 into the normal length field, then change the object velocity value to be 115,000.
We are now ready to hit calculate. Once we do, we learn that to a standstill observer, the 50-foot asteroid will appear to be only 39.335 feet long due to the effects of length contraction.
The effects are simply visual and not truly physical. For example, if you have a 12-inch ruler, it would not look like it was actually 12 inches depending on the speed at which it is moving.
Length contraction only affects the length at which the object is moving. If it is moving up or down then yes, length contraction would be applied to height.
No, they are independently measured phenomena. Time dilation refers to time while length contraction relates to the length and size of an object.