A & B's Time Paradox: A Space-Time Conundrum

In summary: By the time A receives the signal, more than 30 seconds will have passed on his clock.In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of the Twin Paradox, where the synchronization of clocks between two individuals traveling at different speeds can lead to contradictory results. The conversation also highlights the impact of acceleration and changing frames of reference on this phenomenon.
  • #1
anantchowdhary
372
0
Suppose A travels in a spaceship and B is on earth. At the time of launch they both synchronise their clocks. When 30 secs have passed by in A's clock he reads the time in B's clock to be 40 secs.But when 30 secs have passed in B's clock A's clock shows 40 seconds. Isn't this a contradiction to the first statement itself ?
 
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  • #2
anantchowdhary said:
Suppose A travels in a spaceship and B is on earth. At the time of launch they both synchronise their clocks. When 30 secs have passed by in A's clock he reads the time in B's clock to be 40 secs.But when 30 secs have passed in B's clock A's clock shows 40 seconds. Isn't this a contradiction to the first statement itself ?
It's not nearly as simple as that.

1] In order to travel anywhere, A has to accelerate, this changes his frame of reference to non-inertial.
2] In order to read each others' clocks, A must return to B, changing his frame of reference again.

You want to Google The Twin Paradox.
 
  • #3
anantchowdhary said:
When 30 secs have passed by in A's clock he reads the time in B's clock to be 40 secs.

He can't just instantaneously read B's clock. The best he can do is to have B send him a signal at the speed of light.
 

FAQ: A & B's Time Paradox: A Space-Time Conundrum

1. What is the concept behind "A & B's Time Paradox: A Space-Time Conundrum"?

The concept behind "A & B's Time Paradox: A Space-Time Conundrum" is a hypothetical scenario where two individuals, A and B, travel through time and end up causing an event that creates a paradox. This paradox raises questions about the nature of time and space and explores the consequences of altering the past.

2. How does this story relate to real scientific theories?

This story touches on several real scientific theories, such as the theory of relativity and the concept of time dilation. It also explores the idea of parallel universes and the butterfly effect, both of which are theories that have been studied by scientists.

3. Can time travel really create a paradox?

While time travel is still purely theoretical and has not been proven to be possible, there are many theories that suggest it could create a paradox. This is because changing events in the past could have unforeseen consequences in the present and future, making it difficult to maintain a consistent timeline.

4. Is there a way to resolve a time paradox?

There are several theories on how a time paradox could be resolved, such as the idea of multiple timelines or the concept of a "self-healing" universe. However, as time travel is still hypothetical, there is no definitive answer to this question.

5. What can we learn from exploring the concept of a time paradox?

Exploring the concept of a time paradox can help us better understand the nature of time and space and the potential consequences of altering the past. It can also raise ethical questions about the responsibility of time travelers and the impact of their actions on the timeline and the people they encounter.

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