- #1
vinven7
- 58
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This is probably a simple question but I can't seem find a convincing enough explanation. Many books on introductory Special relativity use what are called "light clocks" to explain Time dilation. I myself learned this from Arthur Beiser's Modern Physics. This is a simple clock that measures time as the length of a clock or rod/speed of light. In a moving reference frame this is bound to change and time dilation is introduced.
However, how can we show that this is applicable for an ORDINARY CLOCK as well? Beiser states that if you had an ordinary clock (say a quartz clock) that does not show time dilation, then the difference between the two - a light clock and an ordinary clock can be used to figure out the ABSOLUTE velocity of the frame without any reference. Can someone explain this to me? I can't seem to follow the logic.
Please let me know if the question is not clear enough, I'll put up a more detailed explanation in that case
However, how can we show that this is applicable for an ORDINARY CLOCK as well? Beiser states that if you had an ordinary clock (say a quartz clock) that does not show time dilation, then the difference between the two - a light clock and an ordinary clock can be used to figure out the ABSOLUTE velocity of the frame without any reference. Can someone explain this to me? I can't seem to follow the logic.
Please let me know if the question is not clear enough, I'll put up a more detailed explanation in that case