Question

An object moves in a direction parallel to its length with a velocity that approaches the velocity of light. The length of this object, as measured by a stationary observer:________
a. approaches infinity.
b. approaches zero.
c. increases slightly.
d. does not change.

Answer 1

Answer:

b. approaches zero.

Explanation:

The phenomenon is known as length contraction.

Length contraction is a result of Einstein's special theory of relativity. This theory states that an observer in an inertial frame of reference will observe a decrease in the length of any moving object placed at another inertial frame of reference.

let the length of the train = L

Let the length observed when the train is in motion = L₀

Apply Einstein's special theory of relativity;

$L_0 = L \times \sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2} } \\\\where;\\\\v \ is \ the \ velocity \ of \ the \ train\\\\c \ is \ the \ speed \ of \ light$

from the equation above, when v = 0, the length observed is equal to the initial length of the train. (L₀ = L)

As the velocity of the train (v) approaches the speed of light (c), the length of the train observed (L₀) becomes smaller than the initial length of the train (L).  (L₀ < L)

Eventually, when v equals c, we will have a square root of zero (0), and the length observed will become zero.  (L₀ = 0)

Thus, the length of this object, as measured by a stationary observer approaches zero