How Does Time Dilation Symmetry Work in a Rocket Traveling at 0.8c?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of time dilation symmetry as illustrated by a rocket traveling at 0.8c between two stations, P and Q, located 864 million km apart. The time measured by the space station clocks is 60 minutes, while the proper time experienced by the passenger is 34 minutes. The confusion arises when considering the perspective of the observer at station Q, who perceives himself as moving and the rocket as at rest, leading to a conclusion that time dilation is symmetric. The key takeaway is that both observers will perceive time differently due to their relative motion, highlighting the intricacies of Einstein's theory of relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of proper time
  • Knowledge of relativistic speeds, specifically 0.8c
  • Basic grasp of time dilation effects in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Lorentz transformation in time dilation
  • Explore the concept of simultaneity in special relativity
  • Learn about the twin paradox and its relation to time dilation
  • Investigate the role of inertial frames in relativistic physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators explaining relativity, and anyone interested in the effects of high-speed travel on time perception.

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Homework Statement


Hi, I have a problem connected with time dilation symmetry, which is supposed to be explained in a following example:

A rocket traveling at 0.8c starts from station P and is directed to station Q 864 million km away. Time taken to travel as measured by space station clocks is 60minutes.
The proper time, measured by the passenger is then 34 minutes.
But what if the observer in station Q claims he was moving and the rocket was at rest?
Imagine a long rod from P to Q with clocks placed along it at regular intervals. Observer at Q sets his watch looking at the watch on the rod that is in front of him.
When a rocket reaches him, his watch shows 34 minutes, and watch on a rocket shows 60 minutes (so, they conclude that time dilation is symmetric).

Homework Equations


I don't understand whether the two described situations differ and if yes, how they differ. If a traveller and a stationmaster compare their watches they will see whose watch is slow - at first, it's the travellers watch and then it's the stationmaster's watch. Then, something surely must have changed, yet I don't know what exactly.
 
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Is this a question that was given to you, or did you just come up with it to portray what is confusing you?
 
Disconnected said:
Is this a question that was given to you, or did you just come up with it to portray what is confusing you?

This is an extract from my textbook, when they explain time dilation symmetry. I don't understand the second part of it, when the observer at Q is moving.
 

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