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PPhysicsS5 to S6Modern physics
Relativity lab: time dilation, muons and GPS
The GPS in every phone needs Einstein’s relativity to work. See how moving clocks run slow and why it matters every day.
LevelS5 to S6 (and A Level)
TimeAbout 35 min
You useγ, time dilation, length contraction
PriceFree: no account
🎯 Aim
To investigate time dilation and length contraction in special relativity and their use in GPS.
You will learn to
- State the postulates of special relativity.
- Calculate the Lorentz factor.
- Use time dilation and length contraction.
- Explain why GPS needs relativity.
🧭 What to do
- Set the speed to 0.60 c and read γ.
- Increase the speed towards 0.99 c: watch the ship’s clock and length.
- Read the time passed on Earth for a 10-year trip.
- Look at the graph of γ against speed.
- Answer the questions with the class data.
- Write your conclusion and download your lab report.
📋 The data
Muons and GPS satellites.
🧠 Investigate: answer from the data
Type your answer and tap Check. Use 💡 Hint first; open the method only when you are stuck.
➕ Get more from this experiment
📝 Free
Print the worksheet (button above), download the data, and save your report. Teachers can project this page in class.
📦 Premium Lab Pack
1 000 RWF
- Worksheet: thought experiments with light clocks
- Relativity problems
- Teacher guide and answer key
- Exam-style questions with marking scheme
👩🏫 For teachers
Use it as a practical when apparatus is missing, as homework, or as a project. Free lesson plans help you plan, teach and assess.
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