Relativistic Mechanics Lab

Relativistic Mechanics Simulator — Time Dilation & E=mc²

This relativistic mechanics simulator visualizes four key special relativistic effects across preset modes. Time Dilation shows two analog clocks — stationary and moving — ticking at different rates as v/c increases. Length Contraction compares rest-length and contracted-length rulers with a moving spaceship. Momentum mode plots classical p = mv against relativistic p = γmv on the same graph. E = mc² mode shows a bar chart of rest energy, total energy, and kinetic energy in MeV for an adjustable rest mass.

What you can do in this simulation

• Adjust velocity (0–0.99c) with a slider and eight quick-set buttons
• Set rest mass (1–238 atomic mass units)
• Switch between Time Dilation, Length Contraction, Momentum, and E=mc² modes
• Compare classical and relativistic momentum curves on a single graph
• View rest energy, total energy, and kinetic energy in MeV

Concepts covered

special relativity · time dilation · length contraction · Lorentz factor · relativistic momentum · mass-energy equivalence

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