Length Contraction & Angled Motion

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SUMMARY

Length contraction in special relativity applies only in the direction of motion. When an object moves at an angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to its direction of motion, its length can be resolved into two components: one parallel and one perpendicular to the motion. The parallel component experiences contraction, while the perpendicular component remains unchanged. The resultant length can be calculated by recombining these components and comparing it to the original length to determine the overall contraction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Knowledge of vector resolution techniques
  • Familiarity with the concept of length contraction
  • Basic mathematical skills for vector addition
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of length contraction in special relativity
  • Learn about vector decomposition in physics
  • Explore the implications of length contraction on relativistic physics
  • Investigate real-world applications of length contraction in high-speed particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of special relativity and their applications in understanding motion and geometry in high-speed contexts.

asdf1
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if length contraction only applies in the direction of motion, then what happens if there is an angle to the direction of motion that's not perpendicular?
 
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asdf1 said:
if length contraction only applies in the direction of motion, then what happens if there is an angle to the direction of motion that's not perpendicular?
I assume you are asking "What happens to the length in a direction that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the direction of motion?" If that is what you mean, then the answer is:

Resolve the length into two components, one of which is parallel to the direction of motion and the other of which is perpendicular to it. The length of the component that is parallel to the direction of motion will contract, but the length of the component that is perpendicular will not. Recombine the new components and take the length of the resultant. Compare the length of the resultant to the original length. That is the contraction.
 
thank you very much! :)
 

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