Understanding Time Dilation Formula: Exploring the Effects of Speed on Time

In summary, the time dilation formula states that as an object approaches the speed of light, time appears to slow down for that object. This means that if a person were to travel at high speeds, they would experience a shorter amount of time than observers back on Earth. However, this does not mean that it takes no time at all for light to travel from one side of the universe to the other, as for a photon, the concept of time and distance becomes undefined.
  • #1
Jaynte
79
0
The time dilation formula:
[tex]\Delta t'=\frac{\Delta t}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v²}{c²}}}[/tex]
says that the closer you come to the speed of light the slower time goes (for the object in movement).

That mean if you travel to a distant star in very high speed, there will take shorter time to get there (for the traveler, not for the observers back at earth) than if you travel at lower speed.

Does that mean that it takes no time at all for light (a photon) to travel from one side of the universe to the other? (for the photon, not us the observers)
 
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  • #2
Please read the FAQ subforum in the Relativity forum. The topic on whether one can transform to the photon's frame will be relevant.

Zz.
 
  • #3
Jaynte said:
The time dilation formula:
[tex]\Delta t'=\frac{\Delta t}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v²}{c²}}}[/tex]
says that the closer you come to the speed of light the slower time goes (for the object in movement).

That mean if you travel to a distant star in very high speed, there will take shorter time to get there (for the traveler, not for the observers back at earth) than if you travel at lower speed.

Does that mean that it takes no time at all for light (a photon) to travel from one side of the universe to the other? (for the photon, not us the observers)

Yes indeed, thanks to that effect it should be possible, in principle, to reach another star and still be alive when you get there, despite the fact that you traveled at less than the speed of light.

Now, material objects such as clocks come to a stand-still when approaching the speed of light; and we define "time" by means of such clocks. In that sense, indeed, the photon's "proper" time is frozen. But it would be a mistake to interpret this to mean that for a photon nothing happens, or other philosophical conclusions like that. It just happens that we cannot use our standard definitions and concepts at that limit.

In particular, for that same photon the distance from one end of the universe to the other is also zero. Thus we get that its speed is v=c= 0/0; and that is not very meaningful. :wink:

Cheers,
Harald
 
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  • #4
Now i see :) thanx
 

What is time dilation formula?

The time dilation formula is a mathematical equation that describes how time is affected by the speed of an object. It states that the passage of time slows down for an object as its speed increases.

How is time dilation related to special relativity?

Time dilation is one of the key concepts of special relativity, which is a theory proposed by Albert Einstein to explain the relationship between space and time. According to special relativity, the passage of time is not absolute and can vary depending on the speed and motion of an object.

What are the effects of speed on time?

The effects of speed on time can be observed through time dilation, which means that time slows down as an object approaches the speed of light. This phenomenon has been confirmed through experiments and is a crucial component of special relativity.

How does time dilation affect astronauts?

Astronauts who travel at high speeds experience time dilation, which means that time passes slower for them compared to people on Earth. This effect becomes more significant as the speed of the spacecraft increases, and it has to be taken into account for accurate measurements and calculations in space missions.

Is time dilation only caused by high speeds?

No, time dilation can also be caused by strong gravitational fields. According to Einstein's theory of general relativity, objects with a large mass can distort space and time, causing time to pass slower in their vicinity. This phenomenon is known as gravitational time dilation and has been confirmed through experiments and observations.

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