Knowra Lorentz factor Lorentz factor The dimensionless quantity γ = 1/√(1 − v²/c²) that appears in Lorentz transformations and relativistic energy and momentum. It grows without bound as relative speed v approaches the speed of light c.
Lorentz transformation : The equations relating space and time coordinates measured in inertial frames moving at constant relative velocity. Its time and space equations contain γ, converting relative motion into coordinate changes.
Special relativity : The theory of space, time, and motion in inertial frames, based on the invariance of physical laws and light speed. The Lorentz factor is a central quantity in this theory's transformations and dynamics.
Muon decay : The spontaneous decay of a muon into lighter particles through the weak interaction. Fast muons reach Earth's surface in greater numbers because their lifetimes are dilated by γ.
Galilean transformation : The classical coordinate transformation between inertial frames, assuming absolute time and ordinary velocity addition. It applies at speeds small compared with c, where γ is approximately one.
Time dilation : The difference in elapsed time measured by observers in relative motion or in different gravitational potentials. For inertial relative motion, γ gives the ratio between coordinate time and proper time.
Inertial frame : A reference frame in which an isolated object remains at rest or moves at constant velocity. The relative speed in γ is measured between inertial frames.
Particle accelerator : A device that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles to high energies. Accelerator energy and momentum calculations use γ to relate speed, mass, and energy.
Newtonian mechanics : The classical framework describing motion through absolute time and Newton's laws of motion. Its momentum mv and kinetic energy formula omit the relativistic factor.
Length contraction : The shortening of an object's measured length along its direction of motion relative to an observer. The moving object's longitudinal length is its rest length divided by γ.
Speed of light : The speed at which light propagates in vacuum, exactly 299,792,458 metres per second. It sets the invariant speed c that normalizes v in γ.
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