Time's Speed: A Brief Overview

In summary, according to Einstein's theory of relativity, time moves at a different rate for objects that are moving relative to one another.
  • #1
RunToFreeForFly
13
0
How fast is it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Exactly 1 (s/s).
 
  • #3
estein said speed of time is change with the speed of movement of the object.

so the speed of time in Earth should be different?
 
  • #4
Sticking to special relativity...

Experimental facts have shown that intervals of time are different for things that move relative to other things. What Einstein did was to explain it using other experimental facts.

All frames of reference are equivalent (earth = car = shuttle = particle = baseball = asteroid = random object in galaxy = Random object in Univers = etc.). While 4 seconds tick in one frame, 4.00001 seconds might tick in the other, and 3.554 s in another, and 10 s in another. (all depending on relative speed)

There is no "speed of time" anymore than there is a "speed of distance". Your question may assume there is an absolute reference frame in which time intervals are more important than in another. This is not the case. (although it was common good sense until 100 years ago, when new phenomena were discovered.)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
Time is flowing at a rate that is determined by your perception, or the rate at which an instrument may detect constant distance.
 
  • #6
RunToFreeForFly said:
estein said speed of time is change with the speed of movement of the object.

so the speed of time in Earth should be different?
Not quite - since you are at rest relative to yourself (or your watch), you don't notice time dilation.
 
  • #7
It could be said that the "speed of time" is c. For two objects that are at rest relative to one another, time progresses at the same rate for both. If one object accelerates to some arbitrary speed, the passage of time for that object (as viewed by the other object) will decrease. This decrease is a function of whatever fraction of lightspeed the first object is traveling. If you look at time as traveling by at lightspeed, you can say that the accelerating object is "catching up" to time. If this object were ever to actually reach the speed of light, time would cease to move for that object. It could be argued that the object has accelerated until it was synchronized with a particular moment, and is not traveling parallel with that moment.
 
  • #9
Isn't there a FAQ on this?
 

1. How is time measured?

Time is typically measured using units such as seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. These units are based on the movement of celestial bodies, such as the Earth's rotation around the sun.

2. Is time constant?

According to the theory of relativity, time is not constant and can vary depending on factors such as speed and gravity. However, for everyday use, time is generally considered to be constant and consistent.

3. Can time be slowed down or sped up?

Yes, time can be affected by various factors such as velocity, gravity, and the presence of matter. For example, time will appear to move slower for objects moving at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields.

4. Why does time seem to go by faster as we get older?

This phenomenon is known as "time perception" and is still not fully understood by scientists. It is believed that as we age, our brains become more efficient at processing information, making time feel like it is passing by quicker.

5. Can we ever travel back in time?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that time travel to the past is possible. The laws of physics, as we currently understand them, do not allow for backward time travel. However, theories such as wormholes and time dilation continue to be explored by scientists.

Similar threads

B 'A Brief History of Time' question on gravity
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Velocity of a given planet relative to the Galactic Center
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
22
Views
3K
B Time for which a vertical projectile stays motionless in midair
    • Classical Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
B Speed of light and Euler's constant
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
7
Views
878
I Time travel is a fact or fiction.?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
9
Views
1K
B Length, Time, and Velocity -- Which are fundamental quantities?
    • Other Physics Topics
2
Replies
50
Views
5K
Self-teaching Physics 1, 2, and 3 using MIT Open Courseware
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
20
Views
2K
Select a product or system and create a design brief
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
332
B Time Dilation: Is This a Reasonable Explanation?
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
45
Views
3K
B Is Time a Fundamental Force in Physics?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
15
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top