A Geometrical View of Time Dilation and the Twin Paradox - Comments

Insights
Thread starter Orodruin
Start date Nov 12, 2015
Tags

Dilation Geometrical Paradox Time Time dilation Twin paradox

In summary: Apart from that, I do not see anything particularly new or of additional pedagogical value here. Just the added complexity of not using a minkowski coordinate chart.By "same frame", I mean same inertial reference frame. Both being at rest w.r.t. each other.

Apr 29, 2016

greswd

Orodruin said:

But exactly here lies the problem. I am not arguing that the coordinates are abad idea, I just question the pedagogical value to people who are just learning relativity. I do not see the point of introducing non-inertial coordinate systems on top of the struggles they already have.

That's true. But the moment they understand time dilation, they will demand to know things from the traveling twin's perspective.

<h2>1. What is the twin paradox?</h2><p>The twin paradox is a thought experiment in special relativity where one twin travels at high speeds in space while the other remains on Earth. When the traveling twin returns, they will have aged less than the twin on Earth, even though they experienced the same amount of time.</p><h2>2. How does time dilation work?</h2><p>Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time passes at different rates for objects in different frames of reference. This is due to the fact that the speed of light is constant and the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.</p><h2>3. What is the geometrical view of time dilation?</h2><p>The geometrical view of time dilation is a way of visualizing the effects of time dilation using geometric shapes. In this view, time dilation is represented by the stretching or compression of space-time, which can be seen as changes in the shape of objects or distances between points.</p><h2>4. How is the twin paradox resolved?</h2><p>The twin paradox is resolved by understanding that the traveling twin experiences acceleration and changes in their frame of reference, while the twin on Earth does not. This leads to a difference in their experiences of time, resulting in the traveling twin aging less.</p><h2>5. What are the real-life implications of time dilation?</h2><p>Time dilation has been confirmed through numerous experiments and is an essential concept in modern physics. It has practical applications in fields such as space travel and GPS technology, where precise time measurements are necessary for accurate navigation.</p>

1. What is the twin paradox?

The twin paradox is a thought experiment in special relativity where one twin travels at high speeds in space while the other remains on Earth. When the traveling twin returns, they will have aged less than the twin on Earth, even though they experienced the same amount of time.

2. How does time dilation work?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time passes at different rates for objects in different frames of reference. This is due to the fact that the speed of light is constant and the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.

3. What is the geometrical view of time dilation?

The geometrical view of time dilation is a way of visualizing the effects of time dilation using geometric shapes. In this view, time dilation is represented by the stretching or compression of space-time, which can be seen as changes in the shape of objects or distances between points.

4. How is the twin paradox resolved?

The twin paradox is resolved by understanding that the traveling twin experiences acceleration and changes in their frame of reference, while the twin on Earth does not. This leads to a difference in their experiences of time, resulting in the traveling twin aging less.

5. What are the real-life implications of time dilation?

Time dilation has been confirmed through numerous experiments and is an essential concept in modern physics. It has practical applications in fields such as space travel and GPS technology, where precise time measurements are necessary for accurate navigation.