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

4168 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

An electrical heater supplies 500J of heat energy to a copper cylinder of mass 32.4g Find the increase in temperature of the cylinder. (Specific heat capacity of copper = 385 J*kg^-1*Celsius^-1


How would I resolve forces on a slope?


In a circuit with a thermistor and bulb, what happens to the brightness of the bulb as the temperature increases?


If photons of wavelength 0.1nm are incident on a 2m x 2m Solar Panel at a rate of 2.51x10^15s^-1, calculate the intensity, I, of the photons on the Solar Panel.


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