What is the Definition of Improper Time in Special Relativity?

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SUMMARY

The term "improper time" is not widely accepted in the context of special relativity, with the preferred terminology being "coordinate time." Discussions indicate that "improper time" may stem from misunderstandings or idiosyncratic uses, particularly from sources like Wolfram. Proper time, defined as time measured by a single clock moving along with an object, is contrasted with coordinate time, which involves measurements from multiple clocks. The use of obscure terms can lead to confusion, and it is advisable to stick with established terminology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, including proper time and coordinate time.
  • Familiarity with the terminology used in physics, particularly in relativity.
  • Basic knowledge of the historical context of terms like "eigen" in relation to proper time.
  • Ability to differentiate between various time measurements in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of "coordinate time" in special relativity.
  • Explore the historical origins of the term "proper time" and its relation to "eigen" terminology.
  • Study the implications of using precise terminology in scientific discussions.
  • Investigate authoritative sources on special relativity to clarify accepted terminology.
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Students of physics, educators in relativity, and anyone interested in the precise language of scientific terminology will benefit from this discussion.

FranzDiCoccio
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Hi all,

this is just a terminology question. I am aware of the definition of "proper time" (and "proper length") in the context of special relativity.
I recently heard the term "improper time", as opposed to proper time, of course.
Is that accepted terminology?

Sounds weird to me.
 
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Sounds weird to me too. Must be someone's idea of coordinate time.
 
Phinds, thanks for your help!

Ok so the correct (or accepted) terminology is "coordinate time".
Cool.

I did some searches for "improper time" and I get a relatively small number of hits, which makes me think that this term is at least not very widespread.
However one of these hits is from a somewhat authoritative source...
 
FranzDiCoccio said:
Phinds, thanks for your help!

Ok so the correct (or accepted) terminology is "coordinate time".
Cool.

I did some searches for "improper time" and I get a relatively small number of hits, which makes me think that this term is at least not very widespread.
However one of these hits is from a somewhat authoritative source...
"Time measured with two clocks or a single moving clock." Makes no sense. Time measured with a single moving clock is proper time and time measured with two clocks could mean most anything.
 
I have never heard of the term either. I would stick with “proper time” or “coordinate time”, both of which are well known and useful concepts. Using obscure terms can lead to confusion, even if it has a clear definition, which this one doesn’t.
 
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In this context of "proper time", the word "proper" is not used in the usual English sense, but is used to mean "one's own" as in the Latin "proprius" from which "proper" is derived, and one of the meanings of "propre" in French. (The word "property" derives from the same source). I think the adjective "proper" in "proper time" was originally a translation of the prefix "eigen" from German, which has a similar meaning and has been left as "eigen" in other terms such as "eigenvalue" and "eigenvector".
 
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