Barn Pole Paradox Calculator
Free calculate length contraction in special relativity for the barn pole paradox thought experiment.
Input Parameters
Length in object's rest frame
Results
Enter parameters to calculate length contraction
Length Contraction Formula
Formula
L = L₀ × √(1 - v²/c²)
Where:
- • L = contracted length (m)
- • L₀ = rest length (m)
- • v = velocity (m/s)
- • c = speed of light (m/s)
- • γ = 1/√(1 - v²/c²) (Lorentz factor)
The Paradox
A pole moving at relativistic speed appears shorter in the barn's frame, but the barn appears shorter in the pole's frame. This demonstrates the relativity of simultaneity in special relativity.