Is the Twin Paradox Really a Paradox?

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SUMMARY

The Twin Paradox is not a genuine paradox but rather a result of differential aging due to the effects of special relativity. When one twin travels at near light speed and returns, the Earth-bound twin ages more due to the non-inertial motion of the traveling twin, which introduces asymmetry. Key concepts such as time dilation and the relativity of simultaneity are crucial for understanding this phenomenon. The paradox arises from misconceptions about relativistic symmetry and the application of special relativity to non-inertial frames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles, including time dilation and simultaneity.
  • Familiarity with inertial and non-inertial reference frames.
  • Basic knowledge of Lorentz transformations and their implications.
  • Ability to interpret Minkowski diagrams for visualizing spacetime events.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the relativity of simultaneity in special relativity.
  • Learn about Lorentz transformations and their application in different reference frames.
  • Explore the concept of differential aging and its mathematical representation.
  • Review the Minkowski diagram to visualize the Twin Paradox scenario effectively.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators explaining relativity, and anyone interested in the nuances of time dilation and its implications in special relativity.

  • #61
Orodruin said:
You are just interpreting it that way, but you are wrong. The Lorentz transformation says exactly nothing about one of the frames being "stationary". Claiming anything else is a lie.

It doesn't, eh? Let say that, using radar guns, A and B both agree that they are moving at the rate of .6c relative to each other.

Now, tell me, who does all that speed get attributed to when you perform an LT calculation?

Hint, one frame has an attributed speed of zero, the other an attributed speed of .6c.
 
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  • #62
Enough already. Thread closed for moderation.
 
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