Time Dilation and Length Contraction (VCE SSCE Physics): Flashcards

Time when events occur at same point in space (shortest)

Time when events occur at different points in space (longer)

$t = \gamma t_0$ or $t = \frac{t_0}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}$

$\gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}$

Length measured at rest relative to object (longest)

$L = \frac{L_0}{\gamma}$ or $L = L_0\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}$

Dilated time is longer; proper time is shortest

Proper length is longer; contracted length is shorter

Only in the direction of motion

Hafele-Keating atomic clock flights around world