What's the Time? Einstein & Moving Clocks Explained

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In summary, the conversation is about the confusion surrounding the concept of time dilation and how it relates to Einstein's theory of relativity. The person is seeking clarification on the topic and mentions encountering errors in their research. They also mention understanding the concept of calculating distance by reflected light, but still struggling to grasp the concept of time dilation.
  • #1
zoobyshoe
6,510
1,290
I don't understand the thing
with Einstein and the moving
clocks. Two clocks moving re-
lative to each other; each
percieves the other to be keep-
ing slower time? Signals sent
back and forth arrive later than
expected?
 
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  • #2
Yes.


What is it you don't understand?
 
  • #3
HallsofIvy,

Thanks for responding.

I recently looked this up in the
New Illustrated Science and Inve-
ntion Encyclopedia and was com-
pletely confused when I found what
has to have been an error on the
part of the writer and illustrator
of the article.

I went back to the original Einstein but found his discussion
to be dependent on the preceeding
chapters.

My sense is that it can probably
be explained independantly of
the whole theory, as the Encyclo-
pedia tried to do, but only by
someone who actually understands
it.

I'll start off by saying that I
understand the concept and formula
for calculating distance by
reflected light.

Thanks
-Zoob
 

1. What is the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity, developed by Albert Einstein, is a set of two theories in physics: special relativity and general relativity. Special relativity explains the relationship between space and time, while general relativity explains the relationship between matter and gravity.

2. How does the theory of relativity explain time dilation?

The theory of relativity explains time dilation as the slowing down of time for objects in motion, relative to an observer. This means that time passes slower for a moving object compared to a stationary object, as observed by an outside observer.

3. What is the difference between special relativity and general relativity?

Special relativity deals with objects moving at constant speeds in a straight line, while general relativity deals with objects in accelerating frames of reference or in the presence of strong gravitational fields.

4. How does Einstein's theory of relativity explain the concept of a moving clock?

Einstein's theory of relativity explains that a clock in motion will run slower than a clock at rest, due to the effects of time dilation. This means that the moving clock will measure time differently compared to the stationary clock, and this difference becomes more significant at higher speeds.

5. How does the theory of relativity impact our understanding of time?

The theory of relativity has significantly impacted our understanding of time by introducing the concept of time dilation and the idea that time is not absolute. It has also contributed to the development of technologies such as GPS, which rely on the precise measurement of time and its effects on moving objects.

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