What is the physical cause behind time dilation?

In summary, time dilation occurs due to the constancy of the speed of light in all inertial frames. This means that the passage of time cannot be the same for all observers, as the speed of light is the same for all observers. This leads to a difference in the measurement of time between observers in relative motion. The concept of time dilation is closely related to the relativity of simultaneity, which explains why two observers in relative motion will measure different durations for the same events.
  • #36
Grinkle said:
It sounds like you are invoking a mechanical metaphor by using the word rotation, but I can't follow what you are saying (and I am not implying that is your fault). Can you clarify?
"Hermann Minkowski developed the concept of three-dimensional space combined with time to form a four-dimensional space-time. The importance of this concept is that... the effect of relative movement... appears in the same manner as does the effect of a rotation in three-dimensional space." -- Dr. Ron Davis
 
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  • #37
David Lewis said:
appears in the same manner as does the effect of a rotation in three-dimensional space."
Coordinate transformation for rotation is given by, say ##\theta## is rotaion angle,
[tex]x'=x\ cos\theta + y\sin\theta[/tex]
[tex]y'=-x\ sin\theta + y\cos\theta[/tex]
which satisfies the relation
[tex]x'^2+y'^2=x^2+y^2[/tex]Similarly that of boost is given by, say ##\theta=\frac{v}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}## where dimensionless v is ##v=V/c##
[tex]ct'=ct\ cosh\theta + z\sinh\theta[/tex]
[tex]z'=-ct\ sinh\theta + z\cosh\theta[/tex]
which satisfies the relation
[tex]c^2t'^2-z'^2=c^2t^2-z^2[/tex]

cosh and sinh are hyperbolic cos and hyperbolic sin.
 
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Likes David Lewis
  • #38
EDIT
For boost
[tex]tanh\theta=v=V/c[/tex],
[tex]\theta=tanh^{-1}v[/tex]
 
  • #39
It is just an explanation of how the space-time coordinate system that we perceive and measure things in works. I don't know if you want to call that a physical thing or a mathematical thing.
 
Last edited:
  • #40
EDIT^2 to post#37
[tex]z'=ct\ sinh\theta+z\ cosh\theta[/tex]
 
  • #41
"It is sometimes said that length contraction occurs because objects rotate into the time axis. This is actually a half truth, there is no actual rotation of a three dimensional rod, instead the observed three dimensional slice of a four dimensional rod is changed which makes it appear as if the rod has rotated into the time axis. In special relativity it is not the rod that rotates into time, it is the observer's slice of the worldtube of the rod that rotates." https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special_Relativity/Simultaneity,_time_dilation_and_length_contraction
 
  • #42
A bit of a necropost (revival of a old thread, where the OP has most likely moved onto other topics) here , the latest post being on july 25 2019, the previous post on Nov 4 2018.
 
<h2>1. What is time dilation?</h2><p>Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass slower for an object in motion compared to a stationary object. This effect is predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity.</p><h2>2. What is the physical cause behind time dilation?</h2><p>The physical cause behind time dilation is the concept of spacetime. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, spacetime is a four-dimensional continuum in which time and space are interconnected. The speed of an object through this continuum can affect the passage of time for that object.</p><h2>3. How does time dilation occur?</h2><p>Time dilation occurs when an object moves at high speeds, close to the speed of light. As the object's speed increases, its perception of time slows down. This is due to the fact that the object is moving through spacetime at a faster rate, causing time to appear slower for that object.</p><h2>4. What are some examples of time dilation?</h2><p>One example of time dilation is the famous "twin paradox," where one twin travels through space at high speeds while the other remains on Earth. When the traveling twin returns, they will have aged less than their twin who stayed on Earth. Another example is the time dilation experienced by astronauts in space, where their clocks will run slower than those on Earth.</p><h2>5. Can time dilation be observed in everyday life?</h2><p>Yes, time dilation can be observed in everyday life, but only at extremely high speeds. For example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites orbiting the Earth experience time dilation due to their high speeds, and this must be accounted for in order for the GPS system to function accurately.</p>

1. What is time dilation?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass slower for an object in motion compared to a stationary object. This effect is predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity.

2. What is the physical cause behind time dilation?

The physical cause behind time dilation is the concept of spacetime. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, spacetime is a four-dimensional continuum in which time and space are interconnected. The speed of an object through this continuum can affect the passage of time for that object.

3. How does time dilation occur?

Time dilation occurs when an object moves at high speeds, close to the speed of light. As the object's speed increases, its perception of time slows down. This is due to the fact that the object is moving through spacetime at a faster rate, causing time to appear slower for that object.

4. What are some examples of time dilation?

One example of time dilation is the famous "twin paradox," where one twin travels through space at high speeds while the other remains on Earth. When the traveling twin returns, they will have aged less than their twin who stayed on Earth. Another example is the time dilation experienced by astronauts in space, where their clocks will run slower than those on Earth.

5. Can time dilation be observed in everyday life?

Yes, time dilation can be observed in everyday life, but only at extremely high speeds. For example, the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites orbiting the Earth experience time dilation due to their high speeds, and this must be accounted for in order for the GPS system to function accurately.

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