Explore length contraction and the relativity of simultaneity in this classic special relativity paradox.
Input Parameters
c
m
Calculation Results
Enter velocity to see contraction
Quick Reference
L₀Rest Length
LContracted Length
γ1 / √(1 - β²)
βv / c
Overview
The Bug-Rivet paradox is a thought experiment where a rivet moving at relativistic speeds enters a hole. Due to length contraction, observers in different frames disagree on whether the rivet 'fits' or hits the bottom first.
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Pro Tips
Velocity should be entered as a fraction of the speed of light (e.g., 0.9 for 90% c).
Rest length is the length of the object in its own frame.
The paradox is resolved by realizing that simultaneity is relative: events that are simultaneous in one frame are not in another.
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Fun Facts
"Length contraction only occurs in the direction of motion."
"As v approaches c, the object's length in the observer's frame approaches zero."
"The 'bug' at the bottom of the hole survives in one frame but not the other? No, both frames must agree on the final physical outcome!"
