How is Time Dilation Possible in Front of Me?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time dilation as described by the theory of relativity, particularly in the context of a hypothetical scenario involving a particle accelerator. Participants explore the implications of time dilation when comparing the experiences of an observer and a moving particle, questioning how time can be perceived differently in different frames of reference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an experiment involving a particle moving at 99.99% of the speed of light and questions how time dilation can result in a significant difference in experienced time between the observer and the particle.
  • Another participant clarifies that the time experienced by the particle must be measured in its own frame of reference, suggesting that the 1 second mentioned refers to the particle's clock, not the observer's.
  • A third participant challenges the validity of the twin paradox and suggests that understanding the measurement of time and distance in different frames is crucial to resolving the apparent contradictions in time dilation scenarios.
  • A later reply indicates a level of understanding has been reached, though it remains somewhat ambiguous, reflecting on the nature of perception regarding time dilation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of time dilation and the twin paradox, with some questioning established interpretations while others provide clarifications. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the interpretations of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the need for precise definitions of time and frame of reference, indicating that misunderstandings may arise from differing interpretations of these terms. The discussion highlights the complexity of measuring time in relativistic contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring concepts in relativity, time dilation, and the implications of different frames of reference in physics.

onglueme
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I am not a physics major, I just have a lot of time on my hand at work. So I was playing around with the time dilation formula in excel and was plugging different velocity's and different time periods. Here is my question. Say if I was standing in a large room with a particle accelerator and say I was to send a particle around the room for exactly 1 second at a nice and comfortable 99.99% of C. According to the time dilation formula this means that the particle naturally experienced 1 second of motion relative to me, the observer, but I should have experienced 70.712446 seconds. How is this possible if it is happening in front of me. I'm sure I am missing something or did something wrong, maybe even in the formula.

I appreciate anyone's input.

Thank You
 
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onglueme said:
I am not a physics major, I just have a lot of time on my hand at work. So I was playing around with the time dilation formula in excel and was plugging different velocity's and different time periods. Here is my question. Say if I was standing in a large room with a particle accelerator and say I was to send a particle around the room for exactly 1 second at a nice and comfortable 99.99% of C.
Send it for "exactly 1 second" in whose frame?
onglueme said:
According to the time dilation formula this means that the particle naturally experienced 1 second of motion relative to me, the observer, but I should have experienced 70.712446 seconds. How is this possible if it is happening in front of me.
For your math to make sense, you must not have sent it for 1 second of time in your frame, you must have sent it for 1 second of time according to a clock moving along with the particle. From your perspective, that clock is slowed down by a factor of 70.712446, so it will take 70.712446 seconds in your frame to advance forward by 1 second. On the other hand, if you wanted to send the particle out for 1 second of your time, then the particle will only have experienced 1/(70.712446) = 0.014141782 seconds.
 
Why wouldn't it be possible? The only argument against it that sounds reasonable is the "twin paradox", which is based on a mistake in a calculation. So maybe you should check out the threads about the twin paradox. (There are lots of them. Two of them are still on the first page).

The key to understanding all problems of this sort is to understand that when you measure a time or a distance, you're measuring the difference between the coordinates of two events (points in spacetime), but another observer wouldn't agree with you about which slice of spacetime is "space". Therefore, when he measures times or distances (e.g. the length of a moving train), he's never comparing the same two events as you are.
 
ok I think I understand now, I think the glass was half full or empty, whichever. But it does make sense.

Thank You
 

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