The Lorentz factor is a concept in special relativity that explains how measurements of time, length, and other physical quantities change when an object moves close to the speed of light.
As an object moves faster, especially at speeds approaching the speed of light, the Lorentz factor becomes larger. This increase leads to several key relativistic effects:
- Time dilation: Time appears to pass more slowly for a moving object compared to a stationary observer.
- Length contraction: Objects in motion appear shorter along the direction of travel.
- Mass increase (in older interpretations): The moving object appears to gain mass, making it harder to accelerate further.
At everyday speeds, the Lorentz factor is nearly equal to one, so these effects are negligible. But at very high speeds, they become significant. The Lorentz factor is essential for understanding how motion affects space and time in Einstein’s theory of special relativity.