Judge Original Time & Length Special Relativity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the concepts of original time and original length in the context of special relativity, as well as explaining the twin paradox without relying on mathematical methods. The scope includes theoretical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to special relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that proper time is measured by clocks at rest in an inertial frame of reference (IFR), which also shows proper length.
  • One participant suggests that the twin paradox can be explained by noting that one twin remains in an IFR while the other transfers between IFRs, resulting in different aging rates.
  • Another participant questions the definition of "mathematical methods," asking if basic high school mathematics is acceptable.
  • It is mentioned that the elapsed time measured by a clock can be viewed as a measure of "distance" traveled through spacetime, with different routes leading to different elapsed times for the twins.
  • One participant argues that discussing physics meaningfully requires at least a basic understanding of mathematics, particularly linear algebra for kinematical effects in relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of mathematical methods in explaining concepts in special relativity, particularly regarding the twin paradox. There is no consensus on how to approach the explanation without mathematics.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the ambiguity in what constitutes "mathematical methods" and the varying levels of mathematical understanding among participants. The discussion also touches on the complexity of explaining relativistic effects without a mathematical framework.

Barry Z
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TL;DR
How to Judge original time and original length of special relativity
How to Judge original time and original length of special relativity
 
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How to explain twin paradox without using mathematical methods？
 
Barry Z said:
Summary:: How to Judge original time and original length of special relativity

How to Judge original time and original length of special relativity
Set an IFR first. Proper time for the IFR is measured by clocks at rest. Measures at rest show proper length.
 
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Barry Z said:
How to explain twin paradox without using mathematical methods？
One twin stays in an IFR where time to meet brother again ages more. Another twin transfers IFRs, once at least, that makes his time to meet brother again ages less.
 
Last edited:
Barry Z said:
How to explain twin paradox without using mathematical methods？
What do you mean by mathematical methods? Is high school maths ok or do you want absolutely no maths at all?
 
In relativity, it turns out that the elapsed time measured by your clock is a measure of "distance" traveled through spacetime. Just like with distance between points in space, the "distance" between two events in spacetime depends on the route taken. The twins took different routes between the departure and return events, so have different elapsed times.

I don't think any of that is provable without maths, but it's the correct explanation.
 
It is impossible to talk in a meaningful way about physics without a minimum of math. For the here discussed kinematical effects of the relativistic spacetime model you only need basic linear algebra.
 

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