- #1
OS Richert
- 35
- 0
There is a simple truth to this world. Some people are dumb. I am one of them. I'm sorry to ask this but yet again but I just don't get it. Here is the latest explanation of the twin paradox that I have read.
http://mentock.home.mindspring.com/twins.htm"
I understand the three reference frames concept. I just don't understand why "Bob" in this case must be the one who switches reference frames. Let me quote one section
EXACTLY EXACTLY EXACTLY. We just restate the problem with the names reversed. But why can't Bob do that. Why can't Bob says, "Heck No! I'm not switching reference frames! I'm not chasing after the wench at 15/17 the speed of light. I'm sitting right here in my rest frame and letting HER turn around and come back at 3/5c. And when she does, I'LL be younger. As far as I'm concerned, in Bob's eyes Ann darted off at 3/5c and darted back at 3/5c and he just sat there the whole time. The only difference is that he also saw the Earth dart away and dart back at the same speed. She can switch reference frames all she wants but Bob is keeping his.
If we CAN"T let Ann switch reference frames but that would just restate the problem, then there is some sense in which Bob really must be the one moving or must be the one who turned around. He is always the one getting older!
What am I missing? Will this misery never end!
http://mentock.home.mindspring.com/twins.htm"
I understand the three reference frames concept. I just don't understand why "Bob" in this case must be the one who switches reference frames. Let me quote one section
Now, since special relativity let's us use either rest frame, we assume Bob is the at-home twin. Ann speeds away at 3/5c. No problem so far. But after 4 years of waiting, Bob must change his inertial frame. If we allow Ann to return, we've only restated the problem with the names switched. (emphasis mine)
EXACTLY EXACTLY EXACTLY. We just restate the problem with the names reversed. But why can't Bob do that. Why can't Bob says, "Heck No! I'm not switching reference frames! I'm not chasing after the wench at 15/17 the speed of light. I'm sitting right here in my rest frame and letting HER turn around and come back at 3/5c. And when she does, I'LL be younger. As far as I'm concerned, in Bob's eyes Ann darted off at 3/5c and darted back at 3/5c and he just sat there the whole time. The only difference is that he also saw the Earth dart away and dart back at the same speed. She can switch reference frames all she wants but Bob is keeping his.
If we CAN"T let Ann switch reference frames but that would just restate the problem, then there is some sense in which Bob really must be the one moving or must be the one who turned around. He is always the one getting older!
What am I missing? Will this misery never end!
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