A & B Clocks: Why Velocity Time Dilation is Not a Paradox

In summary, two events which happen at the same time-coordinate in one frame may happen at a different time-coordinates in another.
  • #1
daudaudaudau
302
0
We have two clocks, A and B. B is moving with constant velocity with respect to A. From the reference frame of A, B is running slow. From the reference frame of B, A is running slow. Why is this not a paradox?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
daudaudaudau said:
We have two clocks, A and B. B is moving with constant velocity with respect to A. From the reference frame of A, B is running slow. From the reference frame of B, A is running slow. Why is this not a paradox?

But it is!
 
  • #3
daudaudaudau said:
We have two clocks, A and B. B is moving with constant velocity with respect to A. From the reference frame of A, B is running slow. From the reference frame of B, A is running slow. Why is this not a paradox?

Because the passage of time is not absolute. It depends on the observer. There's nothing inconsistent about having different results in different reference frames.
 
  • #4
daudaudaudau said:
We have two clocks, A and B. B is moving with constant velocity with respect to A. From the reference frame of A, B is running slow. From the reference frame of B, A is running slow. Why is this not a paradox?
I'd say it's because of the relativity of simultaneity--two events which happen at the same time-coordinate in one frame may happen at a different time-coordinates in another. If the two clocks read 0 when they departed one another, and are moving apart at 0.866c (so the time dilation factor is 0.5), then in A's rest frame, the event of clock A reading 20 years is simultaneous with the event of clock B reading 10 years; but in B's rest frame these two events are not simultaneous, instead the event of clock B reading 10 years is simultaneous with the event of clock A reading 5 years (and the event of clock A reading 20 years is simultaneous with the event of clock B reading 40 years).
 
  • #5
daudaudaudau said:
We have two clocks, A and B. B is moving with constant velocity with respect to A. From the reference frame of A, B is running slow. From the reference frame of B, A is running slow. Why is this not a paradox?

Suppose that you and I look at each other from a distance. You say that my (angular) size is small. I say that your (angular) size is small. Is this a paradox? No, because the angular size of an object is not an intrinsic property of that object. The angular size depends on the observer as well. Einstein's big discovery was the realization of the fact that the clock rate is not an intrinsic property of the clock. The rate depends also on who is watching that clock.
 
  • #6
sylas said:
There's nothing inconsistent about having different results in different reference frames.

I agree with this statement. You are not allowed to draw any conclusions about the conditions of a particular frame based solely on measurements made from a non uniformly moving frame.
 

FAQ: A & B Clocks: Why Velocity Time Dilation is Not a Paradox

What is the concept of velocity time dilation?

The concept of velocity time dilation is a phenomenon described by the theory of relativity, stating that time moves slower for objects in motion compared to stationary objects. This is due to the fact that as an object's velocity increases, its mass also increases, causing time to appear to slow down for the object.

Why is velocity time dilation not considered a paradox?

Velocity time dilation is not considered a paradox because it can be explained and predicted by the theory of relativity. While it may seem counterintuitive, it has been proven through experiments and is a fundamental aspect of modern physics.

What are the implications of velocity time dilation?

The implications of velocity time dilation are vast and have been confirmed through various experiments and observations. Some of these implications include the existence of a universal speed limit (the speed of light), the possibility of time travel, and the fact that time is relative to the observer's frame of reference.

How does the velocity of an object affect time dilation?

The velocity of an object directly affects the amount of time dilation experienced. As an object's velocity increases, time dilation also increases. This is because the object's mass increases with its velocity, causing time to appear slower for the object.

Can velocity time dilation be observed in everyday life?

Yes, velocity time dilation can be observed in everyday life. GPS systems, for example, must take into account the time dilation experienced by satellites in orbit due to their high velocities. This is necessary for accurate location tracking on Earth. Additionally, high-speed travel, such as in airplanes and spacecraft, also experiences time dilation.

Similar threads

Replies
54
Views
2K
Replies
88
Views
5K
Replies
22
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
137
Views
8K
Replies
55
Views
3K
Replies
58
Views
3K
Back
Top