Relativity Theory: Connecting Gravitational & Velocity Time Dilation

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SUMMARY

Relativity theory establishes a connection between gravitational time dilation and time dilation experienced at high velocity, particularly through the lens of general relativity (GR) and the equivalence principle. In GR, time dilation is described by the metric tensor of spacetime, which accounts for differences in proper time at varying positions. The discussion highlights that while special relativity addresses time dilation at constant speeds, it does not fully incorporate effects from acceleration, as seen in scenarios like the Twin's Paradox. Observations from an accelerating frame, such as a rocket in deep space, can mirror those on Earth under uniform gravitational conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity (GR) principles
  • Familiarity with the equivalence principle
  • Knowledge of metric tensors in spacetime
  • Basic concepts of time dilation in special relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the equivalence principle in various gravitational fields
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of the metric tensor in general relativity
  • Investigate the Twin's Paradox and its relation to acceleration and time dilation
  • Learn about the effects of velocity on time dilation in special relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the complexities of time dilation in the context of relativity theory.

Shaw
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Does relativity theory make a connection between gravitational time dilation, and the time dilation experienced at high velocity?
 
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Special relativity, worked out for a constant speed, also shows time dilation in accelerating frames (eg. Twin's Paradox) and Gravity is an acceleration. In general relativity, it is considered to be a difference in the passage of proper time at different positions as described by a metric tensor of spacetime.
 
Shaw said:
Does relativity theory make a connection between gravitational time dilation, and the time dilation experienced at high velocity?

I don't think so - but I may be mistaken, as I only know GR in approximation. According to the equivalence principle, locally the observed effects from acceleration are the same as the effects from gravitation.

For example, the observations inside a rocket in deep space that is accelerating at a proper acceleration equal to g and with two clocks at different "heights", should be the same as in rest on the surface of the Earth (assuming uniform g).
The usual example calculations do not include time dilation and length contraction effects due to velocity because they are done for a small change of velocity relative to rest.
 

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