Kumar's Explanation of the Twin Paradox

In summary, the twin paradox is a situation where two identical people, who are in different inertial reference frames, experience different durations for the same event.
  • #1
sampath_phy
10
0
Guys can anybody explain me the famous "Twin Paradox"
--->Sampath
 
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  • #2
There have been many discussions of the twin paradox here. Have you tried searching for them?

I think you will be more likely to get helpful results if you first find some explanation/discussion of the twin paradox here or elsewhere on the Web. For example, you might start here:

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/TwinParadox/twin_paradox.html

After reading it and trying to understand it, ask specific questions.

Most people are more likely to respond to specific, focused questions that they can answer briefly, instead of broad questions that require a whole chapter of a textbook in response. Especially a topic like this one, which has been discussed many times. People get tired of repeating themselves.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Thanks for the reply
Sam.
 
  • #4
Is it possible to explain the twin paradox without assuming that
* The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames
* The speed of light is always the same regardless of reference frame
Please reply
Sampath
 
  • #5
Is it possible to explain the twin paradox
without assuming that
* The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames
* The speed of light is always the same regardless of reference frame
 
  • #6
Is it possible to explain the twin paradox
without assuming that
* The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames
* The speed of light is always the same regardless of reference frame
The twin paradox itself makes those assumptions.

So, I have no clue how one could possibly make sense out of your question.
 
  • #7
Your question is equivalent to "Is it possible to explain the twin paradox without using special relativity?" Without special relativity the twin paradox does not arise at all. Therefore, the answer to your question must be "no".
 
  • #8
time dilation

please explain clearly
 
  • #9
time dilation

sylvan said:
please explain clearly
can you explain, what is time dilation? and give it's general formula.
 
  • #10
i get it.
thanks
Sampath.
 
  • #11
sylvan
this is in reply regarding time dilation

Time Dilation ---> A moving clock ticks more slowly than a clock at rest.

Measurements of time intervals are affected by relative motion b/w an observer andwhat is observed. As a result the a clock that moves w.r.t an observer ticks more slowly than it does when it does without such motion and therefore such processes occur more slowly to an observer when they take place in a different inertial frame.

Explanation:-
Consider a time interval of t_0 b/w any two events in a space craft. We on the ground would find that the same interval has a longertime duration t. t_0 is determined by the events that occur at the same place in the observers reference frame , this is called proper time of the interval, but when witnessed from the ground , the events that mark the beginning and the end of the time interval appear longer than the proper time and this is called ' Time Dilation " .

the formula is:
time dilation(t) = t_0/sqrt(1-(v2/c2))
i.e.., t_0 by sqrt of (1-(vsquare/csquare)) .

where
t_0 = time interval on clock at rest relative to an observer = proper time
t = time interval on clock in motion relative to an observer
v = speed of relative motion
c = speed of light

Sampath.
 

1. What is the "twin paradox"?

The twin paradox is a thought experiment in the theory of relativity that involves two identical twins, one of whom travels through space at high speeds while the other stays on Earth. When the traveling twin returns, they will have aged less than the twin who stayed on Earth, due to the effects of time dilation.

2. How does time dilation cause the twin paradox?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass at different rates for objects moving at different speeds. In the twin paradox, the traveling twin experiences time passing slower due to their high speed, while the stationary twin experiences time passing at a normal rate. This results in a difference in their ages when they are reunited.

3. Is the twin paradox a real or hypothetical phenomenon?

The twin paradox is a hypothetical phenomenon used to illustrate the concepts of time dilation and the relativity of simultaneity in the theory of relativity. While the effects of time dilation have been observed in experiments, the twin paradox itself is not a real-life scenario, as it would require one twin to travel at extremely high speeds for an extended period of time.

4. Can the twin paradox be explained by the concept of time travel?

No, the twin paradox is not an example of time travel. Time travel involves moving backwards or forwards in time, while the twin paradox involves time passing at different rates for two individuals who are in different reference frames due to their relative speeds.

5. What are the implications of the twin paradox in the real world?

The twin paradox highlights the counterintuitive effects of time dilation and the relativity of simultaneity, which are important concepts in the theory of relativity. It also has practical implications for space travel, as astronauts traveling at high speeds will experience time passing at a slower rate, leading to differences in their ages compared to people on Earth.

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