A Spacetime Oddity: Time Dilation and Length Contraction for the Amateur Enthusiast

Abstract

Special relativity is undoubtedly one of the pillars of modern physics where concepts such as time dilation and length contraction subtly play a role in various aspects of nature. Typically veiled under complex and difficult-to-fathom mathematical analysis, the path to understanding these phenomena can leave a novice student lost and confused. In this lecture notes, we attempt to explain and arrive at these concepts using physically intuitive methods and elementary mathematics without the use of advanced mathematical knowledge to make it easier for high school students and amateur enthusiasts to comprehend.