Interactive Relativity Simulation

Explore Einstein's Special Relativity Theory

Special Relativity

Einstein's Special Relativity (1905) revolutionized our understanding of space and time by showing they are not absolute but relative to the observer's motion.

The theory is based on two postulates:

  1. The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames.
  2. The speed of light in vacuum is constant for all observers, regardless of their motion or the light source.

Time Dilation

Time passes slower for objects in motion relative to an observer. The faster an object moves, the slower its time appears to pass.

Δt' = Δt / √(1 - v²/c²)

Where Δt' is the time measured by the observer, Δt is the proper time, v is the relative velocity, and c is the speed of light.

Length Contraction

Objects in motion appear shortened in the direction of motion.

L' = L × √(1 - v²/c²)

Where L' is the observed length, L is the proper length, v is the relative velocity, and c is the speed of light.

Einstein's View

Einstein's View Mode

In this mode, you can see how objects would actually appear to an observer moving at relativistic speeds. Objects are subject to:

  • Apparent increased speed due to changing reference frame
  • Aberration of light (position shift due to light travel time)
  • Length contraction in the direction of motion

Click on the canvas to add objects, then adjust the velocity to see relativistic effects.

0%
Lorentz Factor (γ)
1.000
Time Dilation
1.000×
Length Contraction
1.000×
Relativistic Mass
1.000×
Stationary Observer
t = 0.00s
Moving Observer
t' = 0.00s