Why does length contraction occur in Lorentz transformations?

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Length contraction in Lorentz transformations occurs due to the relativity of simultaneity, which affects how measurements are perceived in different frames of reference. When an observer measures the length of a moving object, they assume simultaneous measurements at both ends, but the object itself experiences different time intervals for each end due to its velocity. This results in the object appearing shorter from the observer's perspective. The phenomenon is a direct consequence of the equations of special relativity, which dictate these effects at speeds close to the speed of light. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the implications of Einstein's theory of relativity.
lincs_b
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Hi, This isn't actually a coursework question but rather a part of my course which I'm struggling to get my head round.
I can use formula to calculate the amount that an object contracts but I can't seem to get my head around why this happens.
I've been trying to imagine a rod traveling past me(my frame of reference is inertial and not moving) with a constant velocity, close to the speed of light, but I don't understand why the rod is contracted from my frame of reference.
Thanks for any help in advance.
 
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Hi lincs_b! :smile:

Why? Because it does … because that's what the equations tell you. :wink:

Roughly speaking, it's because when you measure its length, you do so at what you think are simultaneous times at each end,

but it thinks that those times are not simultaneous, and so one end has had time to travel a little further than the other! :biggrin:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi lincs_b! :smile:

Why? Because it does … because that's what the equations tell you. :wink:

Roughly speaking, it's because when you measure its length, you do so at what you think are simultaneous times at each end,

but it thinks that those times are not simultaneous, and so one end has had time to travel a little further than the other! :biggrin:

Thank you very much!
 

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