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A rod of rest length ℓ0 (aligned along the direction of motion) moves with velocity v with respect to an observer who measures
its length as ℓ at time t, as shown in the spacetime map.
Exercise: Reasoning from similar triangles in the map, derive the Lorentz contraction formula
ℓ0 = γ ℓ
and discuss its physical meaning.
(Click here for a solution to this exercise.)
Previous section: Time Dilation and Desynchronization.
Next section: Doppler Shift.