How do you explain the twin paradox to a friend

In summary, the "twin paradox" refers to a thought experiment where one twin travels through space at high speeds while the other stays on Earth. The traveling twin experiences time dilation, leading to a difference in their ages upon returning to Earth. This paradox can be resolved by understanding the mathematical reasoning behind it, as explained in a paper by a mathematician.
  • #1
GSwindle
3
0
How do you explain the "twin paradox" to a friend

Talking with a friend at work I encountered a problem, "No, he was wrong. There is no way possiable that someone can age at a diffrent rate because they are moving at a diffrent speed." We all know a person that has said this and have spent a lot more time than perhaps one would like to get over that initial classical thinking. I would like to know how everyone likes to explain the "twin paradox" to someone who is interested but is stuck in a world of falling apples and cars that only move at 55mph.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
Twin Paradox Resolution

There are subtleties in the twin paradox that can't be avoided unless you're competent in high school algebra and can follow carefully stated mathematical reasoning, line by line. I only know of one paper that properly resolves the "twin paradox." It is carefully detailed and is written by a mathematician. Let me know if you have any questions. http://www.everythingimportant.org/relativity/
 
  • #4
continue the discussion in the other thread
 

1. What is the twin paradox?

The twin paradox is a thought experiment in the theory of relativity, where one twin travels at high speeds in a spaceship while the other stays on Earth. When the traveling twin returns, they have aged less than the twin who stayed on Earth. This seems to contradict our common sense understanding of time and aging.

2. How do you explain the twin paradox to someone who is not familiar with physics?

The twin paradox can be explained by understanding that time is relative and can be affected by factors like speed and gravity. When one twin travels at high speeds, they experience time differently than the twin who stays on Earth. This results in the traveling twin aging less than the stationary twin.

3. What is the significance of the twin paradox?

The twin paradox helps to illustrate the principles of special relativity and the concept of time dilation. It also challenges our intuitive understanding of time and shows that it can be influenced by various factors.

4. Is the twin paradox a real phenomenon or just a thought experiment?

The twin paradox is a thought experiment used to illustrate the principles of special relativity. However, the effects of time dilation have been observed and confirmed through experiments with atomic clocks on fast-moving objects.

5. Can you provide an example of the twin paradox in real life?

An example of the twin paradox in real life would be if one twin became an astronaut and traveled at high speeds in space, while the other twin stayed on Earth. When the traveling twin returns, they will have aged less than their Earth-bound twin due to their different experiences of time.

Similar threads

B Einstein's Twin Paradox: Confusing Solution?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
I Explaining the Twin Paradox: A Big Problem?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
33
Views
2K
B My paraphrased explanation of the Twin Paradox
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
24
Views
2K
B A scenario to help understand the twin paradox in SR
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
20
Views
2K
B Twin paradox explained for laymen
    • Special and General Relativity
8
Replies
254
Views
15K
B Explaining a Stronger Relativity Paradox than the Twin Paradox
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
15
Views
1K
I Twin Paradox: Calculating Stan's Time Elapsed According to Moe
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
20
Views
2K
I Twin Paradox Time Dilation in Positively Curved Universe
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
24
Views
1K
I Twin paradox, virtual clock on ship with Earth time, discontinuity
    • Special and General Relativity
4
Replies
115
Views
5K
B The Twins Paradox: Exploring Time Dilations' Effects
    • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
70
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top