Exploring the Twins Paradox: Understanding the Confusion

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of the twin paradox and its various stages of understanding. It addresses the misconception that it is a paradox and explains how it can be resolved through incorporating time dilation, length contraction, the Relativity of Simultaneity, and changing frames. The conversation also mentions that many people may struggle to fully understand the paradox.
  • #1
Someone502
40
0
why is it a paradox? it makes sense to me.
 
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  • #2
Yes, in my opinion it is not a paradox at all. I mean, what is so hard about believing that time could slow down for your twin? :rofl:
 
  • #3
It's more of a pseudoparadox -- depending on the situation, it either reveals a mistake in the application of relativistic facts, or a flaw in the way one thinks about the problem.
 
  • #4
Someone502 - if you don't understand why someone might think it's a paradox, then there's a decent chance you probably don't understand the underlying issues as well as you might think you do. If one has never seen the twin paradox before, then resolving it is not necessarily obvious.
 
  • #5
The Stages of Twin Paradox understanding:

1. Wait, how can one twin be younger than the Other?
2. Oh, I see, time runs slower for the twin that actually moves.
3. Wait a minute, there is no absolute motion so the traveling twin can say that his brother was moving, so each Twin sees the other as younger. How is this possible?
4. Oh, now I see, its the twin that accelerates that ages slower, so its acceleration that causes time to run slow.
5. Hold on, experiments show that acceleration in of itself does not cause clocks to run slow.
6...
...
last stage. Actual understanding of the "paradox" and its resolution Through incorporating time dilation, length contraction, the Relativity of Simultaneity and changing frames.

Unfortunately, many people get stuck at one of the stages before the last one.
 
  • #6
yeah well the paradox is mainly what Janus mentioned. How do you know which twin is actually in motion? Remembering motion is relative. Thus either twin will see the other twin as younger. Hence the twin paradox.

ITS INSANE! :rofl:
 
  • #7
Janus said:
The Stages of Twin Paradox understanding:

1. Wait, how can one twin be younger than the Other?
2. Oh, I see, time runs slower for the twin that actually moves.
3. Wait a minute, there is no absolute motion so the traveling twin can say that his brother was moving, so each Twin sees the other as younger. How is this possible?
4. Oh, now I see, its the twin that accelerates that ages slower, so its acceleration that causes time to run slow.
5. Hold on, experiments show that acceleration in of itself does not cause clocks to run slow.
6...
...
last stage. Actual understanding of the "paradox" and its resolution Through incorporating time dilation, length contraction, the Relativity of Simultaneity and changing frames.

Unfortunately, many people get stuck at one of the stages before the last one.

Nice. And the last stage is by no means trivial to understand for a student of relativity.
 

What is the "Twins paradox"?

The "Twins paradox" is a thought experiment in the theory of relativity which explores the concept of time dilation. It involves two twins, one of whom stays on Earth while the other travels at high speeds in space. When the traveling twin returns, they have aged less than the twin who stayed on Earth, leading to a paradoxical situation.

What causes the "Twins paradox"?

The "Twins paradox" is caused by the effects of time dilation, which is a consequence of the theory of relativity. As an object's speed increases, time appears to slow down for that object relative to a stationary observer. This means that the twin traveling at high speeds experiences time at a slower rate, causing them to age less than their stationary twin.

Does the "Twins paradox" prove that time travel is possible?

No, the "Twins paradox" does not prove that time travel is possible. It is a thought experiment that explores the effects of time dilation, but in reality, the traveling twin would not experience time at a different rate. The paradox is resolved when considering the perspective of each twin and their different frames of reference.

Are there any real-life examples of the "Twins paradox"?

Yes, there are real-life examples of the "Twins paradox" in action. One famous example is the experiment conducted by astronaut Scott Kelly and his twin brother Mark Kelly. Scott spent a year on the International Space Station while Mark remained on Earth. When Scott returned, he was found to have aged slightly less than Mark, in accordance with the predictions of the "Twins paradox".

What is the significance of the "Twins paradox" in science?

The "Twins paradox" plays a crucial role in the theory of relativity and our understanding of time and space. It demonstrates the effects of time dilation and how an object's speed can affect its perception of time. It also highlights the concept of relativity, where the experience of time can vary depending on one's frame of reference. The paradox has been confirmed through various experiments and is considered a fundamental principle of modern physics.

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