Time Problem at Mt. Everest: Base vs Summit

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter GarryS
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Earth Time
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the effects of altitude on the passage of time, specifically comparing the summit of Mt. Everest to its base. It explores concepts related to time dilation, gravitational effects, and the implications for time zones, as well as the practical significance of these differences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that time moves faster at the summit of Mt. Everest compared to its base due to gravitational effects.
  • Another participant argues that the velocity differences due to height are insufficient to justify a change in time zone, especially when compared to relativistic speeds.
  • A third participant clarifies that time zones are defined geographically and do not account for altitude changes, using the example of a plane maintaining the same time zone while in flight.
  • One participant suggests that the time difference is negligible, amounting to a couple billionths of a second over a human lifetime, and questions the practicality of tracking such a small difference.
  • A side note mentions that GPS satellites have their internal clocks calibrated regularly due to the time differences they experience at altitude and speed.
  • Another participant raises a question about the connection between past and present in light of the time differences discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the time difference due to altitude is negligible and does not warrant a change in time zones. However, there is some disagreement regarding the implications of these differences and the understanding of the original question posed by the OP.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of time dilation in practical terms, nor does it clarify the relationship between altitude, time perception, and the concept of time zones.

GarryS
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
Time moves fast at the summit of Mt. Everest as compared to its base (base being closer to the gravitational field).

Does it mean that the base and summit are in different time zones?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The velocity differents due to the the height of Mount Everest isn't enough to justify a change in time zone and isn't very much compared to relativistic speeds
 
Last edited:
Time zones are geographically defined sufrace areas...they don't take into account altitude changes...so a plane in the central region of the US, for example, follows central time both in the air and on the ground.
 
i think you 2 didn't quite understand what OP was trying to get across, but then again, you did. weird eh?

anyways OP, the time difference is negligible, a couple billionth's of a second over the average human life time. since we don't have any need for time change on that scale there really isn't a point in keeping track of it.

side note: I believe GPS sats have their internal clocks calibrated on a regular basis because of the time difference they experience @ that altitude and speed. look into that, might just help you understand what it is your asking here.
 
obliviousmnd said:
anyways OP, the time difference is negligible, a couple billionth's of a second over the average human life time. since we don't have any need for time change on that scale there really isn't a point in keeping track of it.

Does it mean that past and present are connected?
 

Similar threads

Graduate How do you convert the Pound–Rebka redshift into time variation?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
961
Undergrad Confused about time dilation -- motion vs energy
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Gravity and speed of information for orbiting planets
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
1K
Graduate Time dilation effects of relative velocity vs gravitational force?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
High School Relativity and Biological Aging: How Time Dilation Slows Cell Activity
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Undergrad "Exploring Time Perception Across Different Regions of Space"
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Undergrad Gravitational time dilation - acceleration vs potential
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Time Dilation & Relativity: Explained for Beginners
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
High School Light & Time
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
607
Undergrad Speed of light one more time
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K