Is asymmetric time dilation in twin paradox possible in SR?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the twin paradox in Special Relativity (SR), specifically questioning whether asymmetric time dilation occurs when one twin accelerates while the other remains stationary. Participants argue that the traveling twin experiences acceleration, which disrupts the symmetry of their situations, leading to different aging outcomes. The discussion emphasizes that while both twins perceive each other's clocks ticking slower during uniform motion, the acceleration of the traveling twin results in a definitive time difference upon reunion. The consensus is that the traveling twin will age less than the stationary twin, as supported by the time dilation factor derived from SR principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Special Relativity (SR) principles
  • Knowledge of inertial and non-inertial reference frames
  • Familiarity with time dilation calculations
  • Basic grasp of Doppler effect in the context of relativistic speeds
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of time dilation in Special Relativity
  • Explore the implications of inertial versus non-inertial frames in relativity
  • Investigate the role of the Doppler effect in relativistic scenarios
  • Examine case studies or experiments validating the twin paradox, such as GPS satellite time adjustments
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focused on theoretical physics, relativity, and time dilation phenomena. This discussion is also beneficial for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the implications of acceleration in relativistic contexts.

  • #31
arindamsinha said:
It seems an area where relativity theory seems to still have a gap - it may be consistent and predictive, but does not explain the physical principle behind one of the basic concepts it uses - the 'inertia' behind the inertial frame.
What you are asking for is impossible. Inertia is part of the postulates of relativity. It is not possible for any theory to explain it's own postulates. All it can do is use its postulates to explain other phenomena. All we can ask of any theory is for it to be "consistent and predictive".
 
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  • #32
DaleSpam said:
What you are asking for is impossible. Inertia is part of the postulates of relativity. It is not possible for any theory to explain it's own postulates. All it can do is use its postulates to explain other phenomena. All we can ask of any theory is for it to be "consistent and predictive".

All I asked was whether there was some other credible theory that does explain inertia. I don't think that is asking for the impossible.

Is it so wrong to even be inquisitive about the reason behind a 'postulate' of a great theory?
 
  • #33
arindamsinha said:
All I asked was whether there was some other credible theory that does explain inertia. I don't think that is asking for the impossible.
I wasn't objecting to that part of your post. It is perfectly fine to look for more fundamental theories in which the postulates of less fundamental theories can be explained. However, the more fundamental theory will also have postulates that are not explained, even if it is a complete theory of everything. So having unexplained postulates does not constitute a gap in a theory and the only standard to judge theories is their being consistent and predictive. That is why I was objecting to the quoted part of your post.
 

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