Lesson: The Lorentz Factor Physics • 9th Grade

In this lesson, we will learn how to calculate the Lorentz factor for objects moving at given speeds relative to an observer.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

know that the Lorentz factor is a factor that is commonly used in calculations in special relativity,
know that the formula for the Lorentz factor is ,
calculate the Lorentz factor for an object moving at any speed , expressed either in absolute units, such as meters per second or kilometers per second, or relative to the speed of light, ,
calculate for an object moving at any speed , expressed either in absolute units, such as meters per second or kilometers per second, or relative to the speed of light, ,
calculate the speed of an object given its Lorentz factor,
understand that faster-moving objects have larger Lorentz factors.

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

Which of the following is the correct formula for the Lorentz factor, ?

Q2:

What is -1 for an object moving at a speed of relative to an observer? Give your answer in scientific notation to two decimal places.

Q3:

Object A has a Lorentz factor of 1.25. Object B has a Lorentz factor that is ten times that of object A. What is the ratio of the speed of object B to the speed of object A? Give your answer to two decimal places.