Length Contraction
Prompts
“Draw a diagram showing a meter stick on a moving train.”
“Draw a diagram showing a meter stick at rest.”
“Calibrate these diagrams using unit hyperbola.”
Context
Estimated Time: 30 minutes, including wrap-up
This SWBQ develops further understanding of hyperbola geometry. Students should know the basics of hyperbola geometry.
- Length contraction is just the result of different observers making different measurements.
- Spacetime diagrams can be calibrated using hyperbolas.
Wrap Up
- Ask several students to present/defend their responses.
- Construct right triangles with unit hypotenuse in both reference frames, emphsasizing the location of the right angle.
