FIGURE 29-1
-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) decreases slightly.
E) does not change.

Question

FIGURE 29-1 
-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) decreases slightly. 
E) does not change.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the theory of relativity, as an object approaches the speed of light, it experiences time dilation and length contraction. Therefore, as the object approaches the speed of light, its length, as measured by a stationary observer, approaches zero.

FIGURE 29-1 -An Object Moves in a Direction Parallel to Its Length