If time time dilation is infinite at v=c, then time stands still only

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of an Inertial Reference Frame (IRF) and its relation to the speed of light, time dilation, and length contraction. It is impossible to transform an IRF to v=c and there is no such thing as an IRF where time stands still or time dilation being infinite. The Lorentz transformations are based on the assumption of the speed of light being the same for all observers.
  • #1
jmonlive
2
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How can speed of light be absolute yet that fact and relativity of sublight speed implies relativity of space and time intervals; if time time dilation is infinite at v=c, then time stands still only from that reference frame, but light takes a longer time relative to any other reference frame (thought it isn't at rest relative to our reference like any sublight speeds-to-rest reference-frame transform)?
 
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  • #2
jmonlive said:
How can speed of light be absolute yet that fact and relativity of sublight speed implies relativity of space and time intervals; if time time dilation is infinite at v=c, then time stands still only from that reference frame, but light takes a longer time relative to any other reference frame (thought it isn't at rest relative to our reference like any sublight speeds-to-rest reference-frame transform)?
Part of the definition of an Inertial Reference Frame (IRF) is that light travels at c so how can you transform an IRF to v=c? If you try to do it, you will see that you have to divide by zero which isn't allowed. So there is no such thing as an IRF where time stands still. There's no such thing as time dilation being infinite. There's no such thing as light taking a longer time (traveling slower than c, if that's what you mean).

By the way, what is sublight speed?
 
  • #3
jmonlive said:
How can speed of light be absolute yet that fact and relativity of sublight speed implies relativity of space and time intervals; if time time dilation is infinite at v=c, then time stands still only from that reference frame, but light takes a longer time relative to any other reference frame (thought it isn't at rest relative to our reference like any sublight speeds-to-rest reference-frame transform)?

The Lorentz transformations which lead to the time dilation and length contraction formulas are derived from the assumption that the speed of light is the same for all observers. Google will find you many good derivations.

Time dilation is not infinite at ##v=c##; it's not defined at all because there can be no reference frame whose origin is moving at ##c## relative to the origin of some other reference frame, and therefore no situation physical situation in which the ##v## that you might plug into the time dilation and length contraction formulas could be equal to ##c##. We have a FAQ that you might want to take a look at: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=511170
 

1. What is time dilation?

Time dilation is the phenomenon in which time appears to pass slower for an object in motion compared to an object at rest. This is a consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity and is observed at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields.

2. What is the speed of light, and why is it important for time dilation?

The speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics, denoted by 'c'. It is the maximum speed at which all matter and information can travel in the universe. This speed is important for time dilation because according to Einstein's theory, as an object approaches the speed of light, time dilation becomes more significant, and at the speed of light, time stands still.

3. How does time dilation affect the aging process?

Time dilation can affect the aging process by slowing down time for an object in motion. This means that an object moving at high speeds will experience less time passing compared to an object at rest. This has been observed in experiments with high-speed particles and is also a factor in space travel, where astronauts age slightly slower due to their high speeds.

4. Is time truly standing still at the speed of light?

According to the theory of relativity, time stands still at the speed of light. However, this is only from the perspective of an outside observer. For the object moving at the speed of light, time would still appear to pass normally. This is because time dilation is relative to the observer's frame of reference.

5. What are the practical implications of time dilation at the speed of light?

The practical implications of time dilation at the speed of light are significant, especially in the field of space travel. As objects approach the speed of light, time dilation becomes more pronounced, making it difficult for astronauts to experience the same amount of time as those on Earth. This can also affect the accuracy of GPS systems, as they rely on precise timing to function properly.

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