Spark image

Relativity train

Press START to begin the animation.

A simulation of length contraction in relativity. A second animation will follow this showing the view of an observer in the train.



If the train is the same length as the bridge the two lights come on together.
If the train is shorter than the bridge the light on the near side of the bridge comes on before the far side one.
If the train is longer than the bridge the light on the far side of the bridge comes on before the nearside one.
 
 
 
© Keith Gibbs and John Bourne 2013