I wonder why massive objects slow down time

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In summary: General relativity replaces Newton's theory of gravity with curved spacetime, which follows directly from Einstein's Field Equations. Thanks! General relativity replaces Newton's theory of gravity with curved spacetime, which follows directly from Einstein's Field Equations.
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HG009
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Why does massive objects like stars and black holes slows time
 
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:welcome:

Are you asking for an explanation for Gravitational Time Dilation?
 
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HG009 said:
Why does massive objects like stars and black holes slows time
It doesn't. You are confusing differential aging with time dilation.

Clocks do not tick at a different rate (and no person ages differently) based on where they are. What DOES happen is that clocks (and people) can take different paths through space-time so that if they separate and then meet up again they can have aged by different amounts.

Exactly the same as two cars can each go from point A out into the world and then come back again, both always going 60 miles per hour, but having gone by different path, have a different number of miles on their odometers.
 
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PeroK said:
:welcome:

Are you asking for an explanation for Gravitational Time Dilation?
Yes
 
  • #5
phinds said:
It doesn't. You are confusing differential aging with time dilation.

Clocks do not tick at a different rate (and no person ages differently) based on where they are. What DOES happen is that clocks (and people) can take different paths through space-time so that if they separate and then meet up again they can have aged by different amounts.

Exactly the same as two cars can each go from point A out into the world and then come back again, both always going 60 miles per hour, but having gone by different path, have a different number of miles on their odometers.
Thanks! Actually I'm new here so I just posted a sample question :)
 
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HG009 said:
Thanks! Actually I'm new here so I just posted a sample question :)
At least a few of us are too old for that.
 
  • #7
HG009 said:
Yes
General Relativity replaces Newton's theory of gravity with curved spacetime instead of a gravitational force. Curved spacetime follows directly from Einstein's Field Equations, which are the laws that replace Newton's law of gravity.

Your question is the same as asking why massive bodies exert a gravitational force on each other? That is a law of physics from which all else follows.
 
  • #8
sysprog said:
At least a few of us are too old for that
PeroK said:
General Relativity replaces Newton's theory of gravity with curved spacetime instead of a gravitational force. Curved spacetime follows directly from Einstein's Field Equations, which are the laws that replace Newton's law of gravity.

Your question is the same as asking why massive bodies exert a gravitational force on each other? That is a law of physics from which all else follows.
Thanks!
 

1. Why do massive objects slow down time?

According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, massive objects create a curvature in space-time. This curvature affects the flow of time, causing it to slow down near massive objects.

2. How does the slowing down of time near massive objects affect our daily lives?

The effects of time dilation near massive objects are very small and can only be observed in extreme cases, such as near black holes. In our daily lives, the slowing down of time is not noticeable and does not have any practical impact.

3. Is the slowing down of time near massive objects the same as time travel?

No, the slowing down of time near massive objects is not the same as time travel. Time travel would involve traveling back or forward in time, while the slowing down of time near massive objects only affects the rate at which time passes.

4. Can we use the slowing down of time near massive objects to travel through time?

No, the slowing down of time near massive objects is not significant enough to allow for time travel. Additionally, the effects of time dilation are only observed by an outside observer and do not actually change the flow of time for the object itself.

5. Are there any other factors besides mass that can slow down time?

Yes, according to the theory of relativity, the speed at which an object is moving can also affect the flow of time. The faster an object is moving, the slower time will pass for that object compared to a stationary observer.

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