Relativity of Length

In this thought experiement we used a simulation to explore the concept of length contraction as viewed from various frames of reference when objects are traveling at relativistic speeds.

Question 1: Round-trip time interval, as measured on the light clock
Imagine riding on the left end of the light clock. A pulse of light departs the left end, travels to the right end, reflects, and returns to the left end of the light clock. Does your measurement of this round-trip time interval depend on whether the light clock is moving or stationary relative to the earth?

A. Yes, the measurement depends on ones frame of reference

Question 2: Round-trip time interval, as measured on the earthWill the round-trip time interval for the light pulse as measured on the earth be longer, shorter, or the same as the time interval measured on the light clock?

A. The round-trip interval as seen by all observers other than those sharing the same frame of reference as being on the light clock would count a larger time interval due to the effects of time dilation.

Question 3: Why does the moving light clock shrink?You have probably noticed that the length of the moving light clock is smaller than the length of the stationary light clock. Could the round-trip time interval as measured on the earth be equal to the product of the Lorentz factor and the proper time interval if the moving light clock were the same size as the stationary light clock?