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

4327 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A ball is launched from ground level at 5m/s at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal. What is its height above ground level at the highest point in its trajectory?


If a ball of mass 5kg is dropped from rest, how far will it travel in the 3 seconds after it reaches 150m from it's original position? Write down the change in it's total energy after the 3 seconds. (ignoring air resistance)


Explain the advantages of a reflecting telescope compared to a refracting telescope


By considering Newton's second law and his law of gravitation, derive an expression for gravitational field strength g in terms of its mass, m, the distance from its center of mass, r, and the gravitational constant, G.


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