The Paradox Portal
Physical

Ladder Paradox (Barn-Pole Paradox)

A long pole fits inside a shorter barn due to length contraction

Overview

A paradox in special relativity about length contraction and simultaneity.

A pole moving at high speed undergoes length contraction and fits inside a shorter barn (from barn's frame). But from the pole's frame, the barn is contracted and the pole doesn't fit. Both can't be right - or can they?

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