Angular momentum and the twin paradox

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time dilation in the context of angular momentum and the twin paradox, exploring both theoretical implications and analogies related to gravitational effects in different positions within the Milky Way galaxy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that spinning on a merry-go-round at relativistic speeds would result in time dilation, with the spinning individual aging more slowly compared to a stationary observer.
  • Others argue that this time dilation effect can be analogously applied to the position of Earth and the solar system within the Milky Way, suggesting that being closer to the center of the galaxy would result in different experiences of time due to gravitational effects.
  • A later reply supports the analogy, stating that being deeper in a gravitational well, such as that created by a black hole at the center of the galaxy, would lead to slower passage of time, assuming other parameters are constant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the occurrence of time dilation in both scenarios discussed, but the implications and specific conditions remain contested, particularly regarding the analogy to gravitational effects in the galaxy.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about ignoring other factors when discussing gravitational effects and the simplification of complex relativistic scenarios.

DARKSYDE
Messages
50
Reaction score
0
If you were spinning on a marry-go-round approaching the speed of light, would you experience time dialation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
DARKSYDE said:
If you were spinning on a marry-go-round approaching the speed of light, would you experience time dialation?

Yes, and (in contrast to the linear case), both you AND an observer at the center of the merry-go-round (or any observer fixed to the ground) would agree AT ALL TIMES that YOU are the one who is ageing more slowly.

Mike Fontenot
 
Could this analogy be applied to Earth and our our solar system and its position on an outter arm of the milkyway? would the way we experience time be different if we were closer to the center of our spiral galaxy?
 
DARKSYDE said:
Could this analogy be applied to Earth and our our solar system and its position on an outter arm of the milkyway? would the way we experience time be different if we were closer to the center of our spiral galaxy?

Yes. If we ignore everything except the black hole at the center for simplicity, being closer to the centre means that you are deeper in the gravitational well, so time passes slower, all other parameters kept constant.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Can anyone clarify the relativistic twin paradox for me?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
Undergrad Twin Paradox Resolution
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Undergrad Lorentz Contraction & Twin Paradox
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding Spacetime simultaneity in twin paradox scenarios
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
  • Sticky
Insights When Discussing the Twin Paradox: Read This First
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
Undergrad Twin Paradox: Aging Slower with Continuous Acceleration?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
High School Thought experiment: The twin paradox, observed from far away
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Reference systems and apparent counter-explanations on Twin Paradox
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Einstein's Twin Paradox: Confusing Solution?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Resolving the Twin Paradox: Non-Straight Paths and Proper Time in Space-Time
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K