Why Do Observers in Different Frames Perceive Time Differently?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of inertial frames of reference and the twin paradox in the context of special relativity. An inertial reference frame is defined as one that is not accelerating, where the laws of physics apply uniformly. The scenario presented involves Bill in a rocket moving at constant velocity and Ellen observing him from a stationary position. Both perceive the other's clock as running slower due to the effects of time dilation, a fundamental principle of Einstein's theory of relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inertial frames of reference
  • Familiarity with the twin paradox in special relativity
  • Basic knowledge of time dilation effects
  • Concept of light travel time in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Einstein's theory of special relativity
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of time dilation
  • Learn about the implications of general relativity on inertial frames
  • Investigate real-world applications of time dilation in GPS technology
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity, and anyone interested in understanding the implications of time perception in different inertial frames.

Sirsh
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Hello all,

I just need some help understanding inertial frame of reference, is this when there is no acceleration acting on a body. such as, gravity.. but the body can be under constant velocity or at rest. Also, Could someone please help me with this senario: there is a guy in a rocket, bill, he takes off a constant velocity and then there is a girl, ellen, whom is watching the rocket. To bill, ellens watch seems to be going slow, but to ellen bills watch seems to being slow. what is the cause of this?


Thanks a lot.
 
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An inertial reference frame is a frame which is not accelerating and where all the laws of physics hold. I think you are misunderstanding frames vs. objects. A frame can track an object, but it isn't the object. If you are on a train, then a frame is the coordinate system that moves with the train, not the train itself.

What you are talking about is the twin paradox. The fact that you said Bill "takes off" means he accelerated to his velocity from Ellen's frame. This is general relativity, but the jist of it is that Bill's clock is running slower than Ellen's.
 
Sirsh said:
Hello all,

I just need some help understanding inertial frame of reference, is this when there is no acceleration acting on a body. such as, gravity.. but the body can be under constant velocity or at rest. Also, Could someone please help me with this senario: there is a guy in a rocket, bill, he takes off a constant velocity and then there is a girl, ellen, whom is watching the rocket. To bill, ellens watch seems to be going slow, but to ellen bills watch seems to being slow. what is the cause of this?


Thanks a lot.

It takes time for light to travel from ellen to bill, or from bill to ellen
 

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