Time is slower deep down in a potential well

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time dilation in gravitational fields, particularly focusing on how the position of a clock within a gravitational potential well affects its ticking rate. Participants explore the implications of gravitational energy and the work done in moving clocks to different heights.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that lifting a clock to a greater height involves work that results in the clock ticking faster due to increased gravitational energy, indicating a relationship between work done and time measurement.
  • Another participant argues against the idea that the change in clock speed is due to kinetic energy, attributing it instead to gravitational force.
  • A participant references a book by Paul Davies, indicating that the ideas presented are not original but sourced from established literature.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the act of moving the clock affects its timekeeping or if it is solely dependent on its gravitational location, questioning the permanence of the 'tick-tock' energy once the clock is stationary.
  • Questions are posed regarding how a clock can 'know' the energy required to return to a higher potential, suggesting a need for clarification on the mechanisms involved in time dilation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement on the interpretation of how gravitational potential and the act of moving a clock influence its timekeeping. There is no consensus on whether the effects are due to gravitational force or the kinetic energy associated with moving the clock.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the relationship between gravitational potential, work done, and the resulting effects on time measurement. The discussion highlights the complexity of these concepts without arriving at definitive conclusions.

Tesla
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1) If you lift a clock to a greater height, you have to do work on it - the work done appears as gravitational energy stored in the clock; This shows up in the guise of extra tick-tock energy, as a result of which the clock ticks a bit faster.
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2) Time is slower deep down in a potential well. Potential measures the work that it would take to haul something back out.
Tie a rope to it and lower it down a hole and it will run slower.
What matters is how much work it would take to haul it up and out.
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Do you agree w/#1 and or #2 above?

Both of these points, which are not mine, make it seem that it is the act of moving the clock which changes its time to run either faster or slower, and not 'where' it is located.
So, a clock made on the top of a mountain, or made at the bottom of a mine shaft should run exactly like a clock located at the Earth's surface!?
 
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No, not number 1. The change in the speed of the clock is due to gravitational force, not kenetic energy.
 
#1 is from Paul Davies book:
ABOUT TIME
Einstein's Unfinished Revolution
 
#1 & #2 make it appear that its the act of moving the clock that causes its time to run either faster of slower and not the gravity in that location.

If that is the case wouldn't the extra 'tick-tock' energy wear off after awhile with the clock now being stationary?

And how does the clock know how much energy it would take to haul it out, so it can slow down by that exact amout?
 

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