Physics Notes - Herong's Tutorial Notes - v3.24, by Herong Yang
Reciprocity of Length Contraction
This section introduces the reciprocity of length contraction. Length of a moving object is shorter when measured by a stationary observer; and length of a stationary object is shorter when measured by a moving observer.
Length contraction is reciprocal because moving between two observers is reciprocal. So the following two statements are both true:
The first statement was demonstrated by the thought experiment presented in previous sections. The second statement can be demonstrated by modify that experiment slightly as below:
Reciprocity of length contraction can lead us to some interesting phenomena. For example, we have two trains, a red train and a green train, running side by side in opposite directions. Passengers will experience the following when they are watching the other train passing by:
Table of Contents
Introduction of Frame of Reference
Introduction of Special Relativity
Time Dilation in Special Relativity
►Length Contraction in Special Relativity
Length Contraction - Moving Object Is Shorter
Demonstration of Length Contraction
Length Contraction Formula and Lorentz Factor
►Reciprocity of Length Contraction
The Relativity of Simultaneity
Minkowski Spacetime and Diagrams
Introduction of Generalized Coordinates