A new thought experiment on relativistic length contraction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel thought experiment on relativistic length contraction, highlighting an apparent asymmetry in light detection between inertial frames and resolving the paradox through kinematic analysis.

Contribution

It presents a new thought experiment that clarifies relativistic length contraction without involving gravity or non-uniform motion, offering fresh insights into relativistic kinematics.

Findings

The experiment reveals an apparent asymmetry in light detection between inertial frames.

The paradox is resolved through a detailed kinematic analysis.

The approach clarifies relativistic length contraction without additional dynamical assumptions.

Abstract

Relativistic length contraction is revisited and a simple but new thought experiment is proposed in which an apparent asymmetric situation is developed between two different inertial frames regarding detection of light that comes from a chamber to an adjacent chamber through a movable slit. The proposed experiment does not involve gravity, rigidity or any other dynamical aspect apart from the kinematics of relative motion; neither does it involve any kind of non-uniformity in motion. The resolution of the seemingly paradoxical situation has finally been discussed.