How to Calculate Special Relativity
What is Special Relativity?
Special relativity describes physics at high speeds approaching light speed. It introduces time dilation, length contraction, and mass-energy equivalence.
Formula
Enter velocity as fraction of light speed (β = v/c)
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Enter velocity as fraction of light speed (β = v/c)
- 2The calculator applies Lorentz factor γ = 1/√(1 - β²)
- 3Results show relativistic effects and mass-energy conversion
Worked Examples
Input
v = 0.9c (90% light speed)
Result
γ ≈ 2.29, time dilation factor = 2.29
Significant relativistic effects
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Using non-relativistic formulas at high speeds
- ✕Forgetting that c is constant in all reference frames
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at light speed?
Lorentz factor becomes infinite; mass would become infinite, requiring infinite energy—light speed is unreachable for massive objects.
Is relativity relevant to everyday life?
Yes, GPS satellites account for time dilation (0.38 microseconds/day error without correction).
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