Reciprocity of Time Dilation in General Relativity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reciprocity of time dilation effects in general relativity, specifically in the context of two observers positioned at different heights in a gravitational field. The inquiry seeks to understand how each observer perceives the other's experience of time dilation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the effects of general relativity are reciprocal between two reference frames, using the example of two men at different heights in a tall building.
  • Another participant asserts that the effects are not reciprocal, citing that atomic clocks at different elevations tick at different rates, and each can observe the other's clock ticking differently.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement among participants regarding the reciprocity of time dilation effects in general relativity. One viewpoint suggests reciprocity, while another challenges this notion, indicating that the effects are not reciprocal.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of time dilation effects and the dependence on gravitational fields, but does not resolve the underlying assumptions or definitions related to the observations made by the participants.

blueberrynerd
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Hi! Need some help here.

Are the effects of general relativity reciprocal in two reference frames? Let's say for example that there is one man at the bottom of a really, really tall building, and another at the top. The man at the top floor should perceive the man at the bottom to be experiencing effects like time dilation, since he is at closer proximity to the gravitational field of the Earth. What would the man at the bottom floor see as happening to the man at the top floor? Would he see the man at the top as experiencing time dilation as well, or would he possibly see time at the top floor as moving faster?

Help please. I hope I stated my question clearly enough. :smile:
 
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blueberrynerd said:
or would he possibly see time at the top floor as moving faster?
This
 
blueberrynerd said:
Hi! Need some help here.

Are the effects of general relativity reciprocal in two reference frames? Let's say for example that there is one man at the bottom of a really, really tall building, and another at the top. The man at the top floor should perceive the man at the bottom to be experiencing effects like time dilation, since he is at closer proximity to the gravitational field of the Earth. What would the man at the bottom floor see as happening to the man at the top floor? Would he see the man at the top as experiencing time dilation as well, or would he possibly see time at the top floor as moving faster?

Help please. I hope I stated my question clearly enough. :smile:
No, the effects of general relativity are not reciprocal. The atomic clocks at Greenwich England near sea level tick at a different rate than identical atomic clocks at a much higher elevation in Boulder Colorado. They each can see the other clocks ticking at different rates.
 
Thanks guys! :biggrin:
 

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