Ambiguity in time dilation due to relative velocity

Thread starter davidf32
Start date Apr 28, 2011
Tags

Dilation Relative Relative velocity Time Time dilation Velocity

In summary, the usual definition for time dilation is that an individual in the unprimed coordinate system "at rest" in empty space, sees a clock in the primed coordinate system moving at velocity "v" relative to him, running slower than his identical clock. However, unless the observers know the history of HOW there came to be a velocity difference, they cannot know if a calculation using the above equation provides the right answer. Two examples demonstrate this ambiguity. Case 1: Two individuals "at rest" in empty space adjacent each other, BOTH accelerate the same magnitude for the same length of time in opposite directions. After some time they both turn off their

Apr 30, 2011

davidf32

Gold Member

To all, I am wrong about the ambiguity. I was assuming that time dilation between two inertial frames was proportional to v^2 (energy). That of course is incorrect. However, this discussion was very useful to me in that I learned a lot about a number of things (including me). So I thank you all.
davidf32

<h2>1. What is time dilation?</h2><p>Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass at different rates for observers who are moving relative to each other. This is due to the effects of special relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers.</p><h2>2. How does relative velocity affect time dilation?</h2><p>According to the theory of special relativity, time dilation occurs when two observers are moving at different velocities relative to each other. The faster an observer moves, the slower time appears to pass for them compared to a stationary observer.</p><h2>3. Can time dilation be observed in everyday life?</h2><p>Yes, time dilation is a well-established phenomenon that has been observed in various experiments and real-world scenarios. For example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) takes into account the effects of time dilation due to the relative velocity of satellites in orbit.</p><h2>4. Is time dilation the same as time travel?</h2><p>No, time dilation and time travel are two different concepts. Time dilation is a physical phenomenon that occurs due to the effects of special relativity, while time travel is a theoretical concept that involves moving through time to the past or future.</p><h2>5. Does time dilation only occur with high speeds?</h2><p>No, time dilation can occur at any relative velocity, but its effects are more noticeable at higher speeds. For everyday speeds, the difference in time is so small that it is not noticeable. However, at speeds close to the speed of light, the effects of time dilation become significant.</p>

1. What is time dilation?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass at different rates for observers who are moving relative to each other. This is due to the effects of special relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers.

2. How does relative velocity affect time dilation?

According to the theory of special relativity, time dilation occurs when two observers are moving at different velocities relative to each other. The faster an observer moves, the slower time appears to pass for them compared to a stationary observer.

3. Can time dilation be observed in everyday life?

Yes, time dilation is a well-established phenomenon that has been observed in various experiments and real-world scenarios. For example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) takes into account the effects of time dilation due to the relative velocity of satellites in orbit.

4. Is time dilation the same as time travel?

No, time dilation and time travel are two different concepts. Time dilation is a physical phenomenon that occurs due to the effects of special relativity, while time travel is a theoretical concept that involves moving through time to the past or future.

5. Does time dilation only occur with high speeds?

No, time dilation can occur at any relative velocity, but its effects are more noticeable at higher speeds. For everyday speeds, the difference in time is so small that it is not noticeable. However, at speeds close to the speed of light, the effects of time dilation become significant.