Calculate the length of a 120m (as measured by the astronaut) spaceship travelling at 0.85c as measured by a stationary observer

The length of the spaceship of 120m was measured at rest relative to the spaceship so we will take that as the proper length, dennoted Lproper
We first calculate the Lorentz factor:
Ɣ = 1/sqrt(1-(v/c)2)
Ɣ = 1/sqrt(1-0.852)
Ɣ = 1.8986... (Keep this number in your calculator as rounding now will affect your final answer)
Now, relate this to the formula for length contraction:
L = Lproper / Ɣ
L = 120/1.8986...
L = 63.2m as measured by the stationary observer

KM
Answered by Kerr M. Physics tutor

4341 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Two balls with the same kinetic energy have mass of ball a = m and ball b = 2m. What is the ratio of their momentums: a/b?


How would you calculate the vertical and horizontal components of the velocity of an object with an initial velocity of 15m/s which is travelling upwards at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal?


Bismuth-208, which has an atomic mass of 208u and 83 protons in the nucleus, decays through the emission of 2 alpha particles and a beta-positive particle. What isotope results from this decay?


State and derive Kepler's third law


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning