The Twin Paradox implies that the Universe as a whole is a special frame

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SUMMARY

The Twin Paradox, as discussed in "Relativity Simply Explained" by Martin Gardner, does not imply that the universe is a special frame of motion. The consensus among forum participants is that the paradox illustrates the complexities of non-inertial motion rather than establishing a preferred frame of reference. Proper time, defined as the time measured by an observer in inertial motion, is crucial to understanding the paradox. The discussion emphasizes that the geometry of space-time, particularly in special relativity, dictates the aging differences between the twins, not the presence of large masses or curved space-time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of proper time
  • Knowledge of inertial and non-inertial frames of reference
  • Basic grasp of space-time geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of proper time in special relativity
  • Learn about inertial and non-inertial frames of reference
  • Explore space-time diagrams to visualize the Twin Paradox
  • Investigate the implications of acceleration in special relativity
USEFUL FOR

Students and enthusiasts of physics, particularly those interested in relativity, time dilation, and the intricacies of the Twin Paradox. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking clarity on the implications of special relativity and the geometry of space-time.

  • #31
PeterDonis said:
Where have you been seeing that?
uh, right here? For one.
 
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  • #32
thetrellan said:
uh, right here? For one.
Pervect isn't saying what you are saying, though - in fact he explicitly says "the one that undergoes inertial motion will have the longest elapsed time on their clock". Am I correct in my interpretation above, that you are reading his Euclidean length analogy as saying the traveller should be older? Because that's a difference between Euclidean and Minkowski geometry.
 
  • #33
thetrellan said:
uh, right here? For one.

@pervect says exactly the opposite:

pervect said:
if two twins take different routes and meet up again, the one that undergoes inertial motion will have the longest elapsed time on their clock

The one that undergoes inertial motion is the stay-at-home twin, not the traveling twin.
 
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