Lorentz factor
Sign in to saveAlso known as Lorentz term, relativistic gamma, gamma factor
factor 1∕√(1−𝑣²∕𝑐²) in special relativity expressing how much the measurements of time, length etc. change for a moving object
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Definition of the Lorentz factor γ The Lorentz factor or Lorentz term (also known as the gamma factor) is a dimensionless quantity expressing how much the measurements of time, length, and other physical properties change for an object while it moves. The expression appears in several equations in special relativity, and it arises in derivations of the Lorentz transformations. The name originates from its earlier appearance in Lorentzian electrodynamics – named after the Dutch physicist Hendrik Lorentz.
It is generally denoted γ (the Greek lowercase letter gamma). Sometimes (especially in discussion of superluminal motion) the factor is written as Γ (Greek uppercase-gamma) rather than γ.