Special relativity abduction from earth question

In summary, Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that explains how objects move at high speeds and how time and space are affected by this motion. It relates to abduction from earth because it explains the effects of traveling at near-light speeds, which would be necessary for leaving the earth's gravitational pull. Special relativity states that time is relative and can be affected by an object's motion. As an object approaches the speed of light, time appears to move slower for the object compared to an observer who is not moving at that speed. This phenomenon is known as time dilation and is a key concept in understanding the effects of traveling at high speeds. It also explains the concept of length contraction, which is the apparent shortening of an object
  • #1
xma123
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Two identical twins, Romulus and Remus, are the same age. Remus is abducted by space aliens and flown to a nearby star and back at almost the speed of light, while Romulus remained stationary. When the twins meet again, Romulus is significantly older. Briefly explain why we may not consider that the Earth moved and Remus remained stationary (leading to the inconsistent conclusion that Remus is older).

Really have no attempt at a solution as I can't get my head round this at all.
 
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  • #2
Read up on the "twin paradox".
 

1. What is special relativity and how does it relate to abduction from earth?

Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that explains how objects move at high speeds and how time and space are affected by this motion. It relates to abduction from earth because it explains the effects of traveling at near-light speeds, which would be necessary for leaving the earth's gravitational pull.

2. How does special relativity explain the concept of time dilation?

Special relativity states that time is relative and can be affected by an object's motion. As an object approaches the speed of light, time appears to move slower for the object compared to an observer who is not moving at that speed. This phenomenon is known as time dilation and is a key concept in understanding the effects of traveling at high speeds.

3. Can special relativity explain how objects can appear to shrink or expand at high speeds?

Yes, special relativity also explains the concept of length contraction, which is the apparent shortening of an object's length when it is moving at high speeds. This occurs because the distance between two points in space appears to be shorter when measured from a moving object compared to an observer at rest.

4. How does special relativity impact our understanding of the universe?

Special relativity has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe. It has helped us explain the behavior of objects at high speeds, such as in particle accelerators, and has led to the development of technologies like GPS. It also plays a crucial role in our understanding of the big bang theory and the evolution of the universe.

5. Is special relativity a proven theory?

Yes, special relativity has been extensively tested and has been proven to be an accurate description of the behavior of objects at high speeds. Its predictions have been confirmed by numerous experiments and it is a cornerstone of modern physics.

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