Is Time Dilation Relative in Special Relativity Experiments?

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Time dilation is a complex concept in special relativity, often perceived as relative due to the lack of an invariant reference frame in certain scenarios. Experiments like those involving GPS satellites and atomic clocks demonstrate that time dilation can be measured objectively when clocks are synchronized and compared after traveling different paths. The discussion highlights a scenario involving three synced clocks to argue that time dilation can be shown as non-relative, but this interpretation is challenged by the relativity of simultaneity, which indicates that different observers may perceive time differently based on their relative motion. Ultimately, while some argue for a non-relative interpretation of time dilation, the consensus remains that it is fundamentally relative, dependent on the observer's frame of reference. The nuances of these discussions illustrate the intricate nature of time and motion in the framework of relativity.
  • #61
objecta99 said:
Can an Inertial Reference Frame X compare the velocities of objects Y and Z, relative to X's frame of reference, such that either Y's velocity is greater then Z or Z's velocity is greater than Y's?
Velocity is a vector and vector spaces are not ordered sets so they don't have a "greater than" operation. Speed is a positive real number which is an ordered set so it does have a "greater than" operation. So no, you cannot compare velocity that way, but yes, you can compare speed that way.
 
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  • #62
Thanx Dalespam, that's a very clear way of understanding it. Thanx PeterDonis, sorry for the lack of paragraphs. Thanx Nugatory. I may have succeeded in asking one of the lamest questions (repeatedly) on this forum. Glad to see that it was a nonsensical question by the definition of relative velocity. 'twas a Poor question in one sense, but it had some pedagogical value for me.
 

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