Distortions in time when going near light speed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time dilation, particularly in the context of traveling at high speeds, such as near the speed of light. Participants explore the implications of relativity on the perception of time and whether time actually moves slower or if it is merely a relative observation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that time dilation is a real effect explained by relativity, where time appears to move slower for objects moving at high speeds relative to an observer.
  • Others argue that time does not actually slow down; rather, it is a relative perception based on the observer's frame of reference.
  • One participant mentions that the Global Positioning System (GPS) accounts for both time dilation effects due to speed and gravitational fields.
  • Another participant emphasizes that while one may perceive their own time as unaffected during high-speed travel, significant differences in elapsed time can be observed when comparing clocks that have traveled different paths through spacetime.
  • There is a contention over the phrasing of "time moves slower" versus "less time has passed," with some suggesting that the distinction is more about semantics than substance.
  • A later reply provides a detailed explanation of time as what clocks measure, suggesting that all clocks will show the same time locally, complicating the notion of varying rates of time progression.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether time actually slows down or if it is merely a matter of relative observation. There is no consensus on the interpretation of time dilation, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on definitions of time and the varying interpretations of time dilation based on different frames of reference. The discussion also highlights the complexity of comparing elapsed times for clocks that are not synchronized or located in different gravitational fields.

Abphysics
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So I was wondering that why does time move slower the faster you get ? And does it happen at all or is this is just fake ?
 
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Abphysics said:
So I was wondering that why does time move slower the faster you get ?
Why isn't a good question, how is explained by relativity and it is called time dilation. It happens near large masses also.
Abphysics said:
And does it happen at all or is this is just fake ?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) takes both forms into account to keep precise time.
 
Abphysics said:
So I was wondering that why does time move slower the faster you get ? And does it happen at all or is this is just fake ?
It doesn't. It just looks that way to observers who are moving relative to you. YOU, right now as you read this, are moving at almost the speed of light relative to an accelerated particle at CERN. Did you watch slow down when you realized that?
 
jerromyjon said:
Why isn't a good question, how is explained by relativity and it is called time dilation. It happens near large masses also.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) takes both forms into account to keep precise time.
You are answering as though time DOES slow down, but as I just explained, it doesn't
 
phinds said:
You are answering as though time DOES slow down, but as I just explained, it doesn't
It is all relative. The time that passes on the ISS is not the same amount as the time that passes on Earth due to relative velocity and the strength of the gravitational field.
Time dilation
 
jerromyjon said:
It is all relative. The time that passes on the ISS is not the same amount as the time that passes on Earth due to relative velocity and the strength of the gravitational field.
You are missing the point. The OPs post indicates that he believes that time DOES move slower (in the local frame, although he likely doesn't know the terminology) and you are misleading him into thinking that might be true. If you want to explain differential aging to him, fine, but please stop misleading him.
 
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phinds said:
you are misleading him into thinking that might be true.
I am trying to explain it from a scientific perspective. I know what you are saying when you say:
phinds said:
YOU, right now as you read this, are moving at almost the speed of light relative to an accelerated particle at CERN.
phinds said:
Did you watch slow down when you realized that?
No matter what you will still perceive your time to be unaffected. If you hop on a spaceship and travel at near the speed of light for some time and turn around and come back a year later by your clock everyone here on Earth will be older by much more than a year!
 
jerromyjon said:
If you hop on a spaceship and travel at near the speed of light for some time and turn around and come back a year later by your clock everyone here on Earth will be older by much more than a year!
None of which involves time passing faster or more slowly for anyone involved.
 
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Guys, I don't think it is helpful to have such a heated argument about the difference between "time moves slower" and "less time has passed" (which to me looks like an argument over grammar), especially when it was the OP who stated it.
 
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  • #10
So, I should follow my own advice and respond to this directly:
Abphysics said:
So I was wondering that why does time move slower the faster you get ? And does it happen at all or is this is just fake ?
Yes, it's real, and rather than respond directly to your question, which is potentially problematic in its wording, I'll just give a quick primer (the wiki link is also pretty good for a start):

First, you need to make sure you are clear enough about what "time" is. For the purpose of discussing time dilation, you can simply say that time is what clocks measure and leave it at that. But recognize that anything that experiences change with time can be used as a clock. Our body biochemistry is a sort of clock: How long ago did I last shave? [rubs face] 3 days. So when discussing time and time dilation, there is no relevant difference between "time" and "clock". All local, quality clocks will show the same time and since our body biochemistry is a clock, we can't separate ourselves from time in a way to locally notice variations in time's rate of progressing. We're all on the same ride, so there is no value in the idea that time's rate of progressing could vary locally: there's no way for us to notice.

So, time dilation is what you see when you compare two clocks that are not sitting next to each other. Depending on what they are doing, they may not show the same time, which means time is progressing at different rates as seen by comparing the clocks continuously or [often preferred], their paths through spacetime are different, making them have different elapsed times. This is somewhat like driving a car at a constant 30mph and taking different lengths of time to arrive at your destination based on the route you took. It's geometry -- and as it happens, time is part of the geometry of the universe.
 
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  • #11
thank you all for your help
 

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