Special relativity abduction from earth question

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the "twin paradox" in special relativity, where one twin, Remus, experiences time dilation due to traveling at nearly the speed of light, while the other twin, Romulus, remains stationary on Earth. Upon their reunion, Romulus is significantly older than Remus, illustrating the effects of time dilation as described by Einstein's theory of special relativity. The inconsistency arises from the fact that the Earth is not considered to be in motion relative to Romulus, while Remus's journey involves acceleration and deceleration, which breaks the symmetry of their situations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of special relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of time dilation
  • Knowledge of inertial versus non-inertial reference frames
  • Basic grasp of the implications of high-speed travel on time perception
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical formulation of time dilation in special relativity
  • Explore the implications of Lorentz transformations on moving observers
  • Research the effects of acceleration on time perception in non-inertial frames
  • Examine real-world applications of the twin paradox in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity concepts, and anyone interested in the implications of high-speed travel on time and aging.

xma123
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Two identical twins, Romulus and Remus, are the same age. Remus is abducted by space aliens and flown to a nearby star and back at almost the speed of light, while Romulus remained stationary. When the twins meet again, Romulus is significantly older. Briefly explain why we may not consider that the Earth moved and Remus remained stationary (leading to the inconsistent conclusion that Remus is older).

Really have no attempt at a solution as I can't get my head round this at all.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Read up on the "twin paradox".
 

Similar threads

Special Relativity: Time Dilation Prob
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School A scenario to help understand the twin paradox in SR
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
How Does Time Dilation Affect Communication and Aging in Space Travel?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
Undergrad Twin paradox for (accelerated) dummies?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
Undergrad How Does Time Dilation Affect the Twin Paradox in Special Relativity?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Special relativity homework question time dilation
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad How Does the Twin Paradox Illustrate Time Dilation in Special Relativity?
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
10K
A question about special relativity,
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Three inertial particles: Separating the twins from the paradox
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
Undergrad Twin Paradox: Relation between Age and Speed of light .
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K