Running at Different Speeds: Who Experiences Time Differently?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of time dilation as experienced by individuals running at different speeds, specifically comparing a person running at 200 km/h with a friend running at 10 km/h. The scope includes theoretical implications of relativity and the perception of time from different frames of reference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that time runs slower for the faster runner, while others argue that each runner perceives the other's clock as running slow.
  • One participant questions the reference frame of the speeds mentioned, suggesting that the direction of movement relative to the ground matters.
  • Another participant asserts that time dilation is symmetrical, with both runners observing the other's clock as running slow.
  • There is confusion expressed regarding why the slower runner perceives the faster runner's time as slower, with references to the principles of relativity.
  • One participant emphasizes that, from the perspective of the faster runner, their own clock runs normally, while the slower runner's clock appears to run slow.
  • Time dilation is mentioned as a consequence of relativity, derived from Einstein's postulates about inertial frames and the speed of light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the perception of time between the two runners, with some asserting that each sees the other's clock as running slow, while others are confused about this symmetry. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the interpretation of time dilation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about reference frames and the conditions under which time dilation is observed. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical implications or the specific conditions of the scenarios presented.

Hepic
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Lets say we run(forever) with 200km/h and our friend with 10km/h.
Time will run slower for me or will run faster for my friend?
 
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Hepic said:
Lets say we run(forever) with 200km/h and our friend with 10km/h.
Those speeds are with respect to what? For example: You run eastward at 200 km/h with respect to the ground and your friend runs westward at 10 km/h with respect to the ground.

Time will run slower for me or will run faster for my friend?
"Time" is relative. You think your clocks (and everything else moving along with you) are running at their normal rates. But you say that your friends clocks are running slow compared to yours.

Of course, it's completely symmetrical. Your friend says the same thing about your clocks running slow.
 
If I run faster I will see my friends clock go slower,and my friend will see my clock to go faster?
 
Hepic said:
If I run faster I will see my friends clock go slower,and my friend will see my clock to go faster?
No. You both see each others clocks as running slow.
 
Ohh why? I thought the faster you run the slower time.
Why the slower person see the time of faster person with slower from his time?
 
Hepic said:
Ohh why? I thought the faster you run the slower time.
Only as seen by someone else, not by you. As far as you are concerned, your clocks run normally.

Why the slower person see the time of faster person with slower from his time?
Time dilation is one of the consequences of relativity. It is derived, like everything else, from Einstein's postulates: the laws of physics are the same in every inertial frame and the speed of light is the same in every inertial frame.

Since you're obviously interested in relativity, I recommend you get yourself a good tutorial book and work through it, step by step.
 

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