Confused about time dilation. (Just got introduced to relativity))

Thread starter PrincePhoenix
Start date Dec 19, 2011
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Confused Dilation Relativity Time Time dilation

In summary, the conversation is about the concept of time dilation in relativity. It is mentioned that the clock at rest appears to tick slower to an observer moving with respect to that frame of reference, and the time interval is measured as t' = t/√(1-v2/c2) for the moving observer. This seems to contradict the concept of time dilation in the decay of pions, where time appears to slow down for the fast-moving particle. The concept of relativity is also discussed, with both observers seeing the other's clock ticking slower. The conversation then delves into the twin paradox, which raises questions about which twin ages more in a moving reference frame. It is clarified that special relativity is ambiguous on

Jan 5, 2012

PrincePhoenix

Gold Member

Found this. Maybe it'll be helpful to someone.
http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/timedilation.htm

<h2>1. What is time dilation?</h2><p>Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass at a different rate for two observers who are moving relative to each other. This is a key concept in Einstein's theory of relativity.</p><h2>2. How does time dilation occur?</h2><p>Time dilation occurs because of the relationship between space and time, as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. When an object moves through space, it also moves through time, and this movement through time can be affected by the object's speed and gravitational field.</p><h2>3. What is the difference between time dilation and time travel?</h2><p>Time dilation is a real phenomenon that has been observed and measured in experiments. It refers to the difference in the passage of time for two observers who are moving relative to each other. Time travel, on the other hand, is a concept that involves traveling through time to the past or future, which is currently not possible according to our current understanding of physics.</p><h2>4. How does time dilation affect our daily lives?</h2><p>Time dilation is only noticeable at extremely high speeds or in strong gravitational fields, so it does not have a significant impact on our daily lives. However, it is a crucial concept in understanding the behavior of particles at the subatomic level and plays a role in GPS technology.</p><h2>5. Can time dilation be explained in simple terms?</h2><p>Time dilation can be explained in simple terms as the slowing down of time for an observer who is moving relative to another observer. This occurs because the faster an object moves, the more it experiences the effects of time dilation. Additionally, the stronger the gravitational field, the more time dilation occurs.</p>

1. What is time dilation?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass at a different rate for two observers who are moving relative to each other. This is a key concept in Einstein's theory of relativity.

2. How does time dilation occur?

Time dilation occurs because of the relationship between space and time, as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. When an object moves through space, it also moves through time, and this movement through time can be affected by the object's speed and gravitational field.

3. What is the difference between time dilation and time travel?

Time dilation is a real phenomenon that has been observed and measured in experiments. It refers to the difference in the passage of time for two observers who are moving relative to each other. Time travel, on the other hand, is a concept that involves traveling through time to the past or future, which is currently not possible according to our current understanding of physics.

4. How does time dilation affect our daily lives?

Time dilation is only noticeable at extremely high speeds or in strong gravitational fields, so it does not have a significant impact on our daily lives. However, it is a crucial concept in understanding the behavior of particles at the subatomic level and plays a role in GPS technology.

5. Can time dilation be explained in simple terms?

Time dilation can be explained in simple terms as the slowing down of time for an observer who is moving relative to another observer. This occurs because the faster an object moves, the more it experiences the effects of time dilation. Additionally, the stronger the gravitational field, the more time dilation occurs.