Question 1

What is the Lorentz factor?

Accepted Answer

The Lorentz factor γ = 1/√(1-v²/c²) quantifies how much time, length, and mass change at relativistic speeds. At everyday speeds γ ≈ 1, but as v approaches c, γ approaches infinity.

Question 2

What is time dilation?

Accepted Answer

Time dilation means a moving clock ticks slower than a stationary one. If proper time is t₀ (measured in the moving frame), the dilated time observed by a stationary observer is Δt = γt₀.

Question 3

What is length contraction?

Accepted Answer

A moving object appears shorter along its direction of motion. If proper length is L₀ (measured at rest), the contracted length is L = L₀/γ.

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