Length contraction

L=\dfrac{L_0}{\gamma}

Result unit: m (metre)

What it describes

A moving body appears shorter in the direction of motion than at rest.

L

measured length

[m]

L_0

proper length

[m]

\gamma

Lorentz factor

A moving body is shorter in the direction of motion when measured by a stationary observer. The effect is complementary to time dilation.

Lengths of objects moving at relativistic speeds.

The proper length is

L_0=10

\gamma=1.25

. Calculate the measured length.

Substitution

L_0=10

\gamma=1.25

Result

L=\dfrac{10}{1.25}=8

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