A question about stationary reference frame

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of time dilation in special relativity, specifically in the context of a stationary observer on Earth and a moving observer in a spaceship traveling at 0.8c. Participants explore the synchronization of clocks, the calculation of elapsed time in different reference frames, and the potential paradoxes that arise from these scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario where two synchronized clocks on Earth show different elapsed times due to time dilation, questioning if their calculations are correct.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for clarity on the concept of reference frames and how they relate to the observed time on each clock.
  • Some participants assert that the time elapsed on each clock is independent of the frame of reference, while others challenge this notion by discussing the implications of acceleration on the moving observer's clock.
  • There is a discussion about the Lorentz transformation and its application to understand the time experienced by the moving observer compared to the stationary observer.
  • Participants express confusion regarding the symmetry of the situation and the implications of using time dilation formulas for non-inertial observers.
  • One participant raises the question of how to reconcile the different elapsed times when the moving observer returns to Earth, indicating a lack of clarity on the application of the principles of relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of time dilation and the implications of different reference frames. There are multiple competing views regarding the application of time dilation formulas and the nature of the paradoxes involved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of distinguishing between inertial and non-inertial frames when applying the time dilation formula, highlighting that the traveling observer experiences acceleration which complicates the analysis.

  • #31
Let's say I am the stationary observer and there is spaceship moving at .8c relative to me.

I see one year on my clock and I see .6 years on his clock. What time does he see on his own clock?

I want to say he sees 1 year on his clock and .6 on mine, but I'm not sure.
 
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  • #32
In either inertial frame, the spaceship twin or the Earth twin, it is valid for each to consider themselves at rest and the other as moving.

However, in order to compare the clocks, one, or the other, or both frameworks must undergo acceleration to bring them into a common frame. It is this acceleration which differentiates one inertial frame from the other.
 
  • #33
goodabouthood said:
Let's say I am the stationary observer and there is spaceship moving at .8c relative to me.

I see one year on my clock and I see .6 years on his clock. What time does he see on his own clock?

I want to say he sees 1 year on his clock and .6 on mine, but I'm not sure.
If you are changing your scenario so that the spaceship continues on in the same direction and doesn't turn around, then yes, in your FOR, when 1 year passes for you, .6 years passes for the ship and in the ship's FOR, when 1 year passes for it, .6 years passes for you.

But you should be aware that neither of you can actually see the others clock as you are asking about. When you see 1 year pass on your own clock, you will actually see 4 months (1/3 year) year pass on the ship's clock and in the same way when the ship see's 1 year pass on its own clock, it will see 4 months (1/3 year) pass on your clock. This is called the Relativistic Doppler effect and is a result of the time dilation of .6 years plus the time it takes for the image of the ship's clock to propagate across space to your clock and vice versa.
 
  • #34
so all moving bodies that are inertial are symmetrical to whatever inertial frame you choose, correct?
 
  • #35
No, they are symmetrical to each other but you can use any inertial frame you choose to define, analyze and demonstrate what is going on.
 

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