Final answer:
The gamma or Lorentz factor for an object that is not moving relative to its surroundings is 1 because its velocity 'u' is zero.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gamma or Lorentz factor (γ) is a quantity that arises in Einstein's theory of special relativity. It is used to calculate the time dilation, length contraction, and relativistic momentum of objects as they approach the speed of light. The gamma factor is defined by the equation γ = 1/ √(1 - (u/c)²), where 'u' is the relative velocity of the object and 'c' is the speed of light in a vacuum. When an object is not moving relative to its surroundings, 'u' would be zero. Under such circumstances, the gamma factor simplifies to γ = 1/ √(1 - (0/c)²) = 1. Therefore, the answer is b) 1. The Lorentz factor does not increase until an object begins to move at relativistic speeds, approaching the speed of light. At lower velocities, relativistic effects can be considered negligible, and classical mechanics applies.