Can All Clocks in an Inertial Frame Simultaneously Read Zero?

In summary: Could you tell me which is the geometric locus of all the clocks that would need to be synchronized in order to read a zero time?geometric locus
  • #1
bernhard.rothenstein
991
1
Is it possible to realize a situation in which all the synchronized and ticking clocks of a given inertial reference frame read a zero time?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
bernhard.rothenstein said:
Is it possible to realize a situation in which all the synchronized and ticking clocks of a given inertial reference frame read a zero time?
Thanks
Why not? There shouldn't be any problem at all, if you synchronize them with a spherical light pulse starting from a fixed point.
 
  • #3
synchronization

lightarrow said:
Why not? There shouldn't be any problem at all, if you synchronize them with a spherical light pulse starting from a fixed point.
Thanks. At which time should I emit the synchronizing light signal?
 
  • #4
bernhard.rothenstein said:
Thanks. At which time should I emit the synchronizing light signal?
-00. (So you have to wait a lot of time to record all "0" times!)
 
  • #5
bernhard.rothenstein said:
Is it possible to realize a situation in which all the synchronized and ticking clocks of a given inertial reference frame read a zero time?
Thanks
Yes it is, for a finite number of clocks. Having established from a given clock by pairwise signalling, the round trip light signal time to every other clock, a series of synchronising signals is sent to each specific clock at zero minus [half the round trip time for that clock], upon receipt of which each clock is zeroed. Thus all the clocks in the inertial system are [Einstein] synchronised at zero.
Of course the assumption that the clock be synchronised at half the to-and-fro time is the crucial assumption of Einstein synchronisation that puts the "relativity" into special relativity. The clocks will be "synchronised" only for observers actually in the inertial system concerned.
 
  • #6
clock synchronization

Boustrophedon said:
Yes it is, for a finite number of clocks. Having established from a given clock by pairwise signalling, the round trip light signal time to every other clock, a series of synchronising signals is sent to each specific clock at zero minus [half the round trip time for that clock], upon receipt of which each clock is zeroed. Thus all the clocks in the inertial system are [Einstein] synchronised at zero.
Of course the assumption that the clock be synchronised at half the to-and-fro time is the crucial assumption of Einstein synchronisation that puts the "relativity" into special relativity. The clocks will be "synchronised" only for observers actually in the inertial system concerned.
Thank you for your help. Please let me know what do you mean by "pairwise signaling" (outgoing and reflected light signals?) .
Considering the clocks C(x) located at the different points of the OX axis to be synchronized with clock C(0) located at the origin O, clock C(x) is stopped and fixed to read -x/c. A light signal emitted from O at t=0 arriving at C(x) starts it and so all the C(x) clocks read the same running time.
In order to obtain the situation when all the clocks C(x) read a zero time,each of them is stoped, read t=0 being synchronized by different light signals emitted at -x/c respectivelly. Of course your proposal is more in the spirit of Einstein's special relativity. I think that this simple fact is worth to be mentioned in a relativity lecture: In the first case a single light signal synchronizes all the clocks, whereas in the second case different clocks are synchronized by different light signals.
Regards
Bernhard
 
  • #7
bernhard.rothenstein said:
Thank you for your help. Please let me know what do you mean by "pairwise signaling" (outgoing and reflected light signals?) .
Yes.
bernhard.rothenstein said:
clock C(x) is stopped and fixed to read -x/c. A light signal emitted from O at t=0 arriving at C(x) starts it and so all the C(x) clocks read the same running time.
In order to obtain the situation when all the clocks C(x) read a zero time,each of them is stoped, read t=0 being synchronized by different light signals emitted at -x/c respectivelly.
Er, no. I think you mean to say C(x) is stopped at +x/c, otherwise the clocks would not synchronise.
In any case your method requires that x be already known for each clock, and the only practicable way of establishing this is with a to-and-fro light signal between already synchronised clocks !
So one comes back anyway to the method I described, which is not merely "in the spirit of" SR but is the very method on which SR is based.
Regards.
 
  • #8
synchronization

Boustrophedon said:
Yes.

Er, no. I think you mean to say C(x) is stopped at +x/c, otherwise the clocks would not synchronise.
In any case your method requires that x be already known for each clock, and the only practicable way of establishing this is with a to-and-fro light signal between already synchronised clocks !
So one comes back anyway to the method I described, which is not merely "in the spirit of" SR but is the very method on which SR is based.
Regards.
Could you tell me which is the geometric locus of the simultaneous events which read t'=0 in I' when detected from I?
Regards
 

FAQ: Can All Clocks in an Inertial Frame Simultaneously Read Zero?

What is the clock synchronization problem?

The clock synchronization problem refers to the challenge of accurately synchronizing the timekeeping of multiple devices or systems. In simple terms, it is the task of ensuring that all clocks in a network or system display the same time.

Why is clock synchronization important?

Clock synchronization is important in many fields, including communication, transportation, finance, and scientific research. Accurate timekeeping is crucial for coordinating events, transactions, and processes, and can also impact the safety and efficiency of systems.

What are some common methods for clock synchronization?

There are several methods for clock synchronization, including using a central time server, using a global positioning system (GPS), and using protocols such as Network Time Protocol (NTP) or Precision Time Protocol (PTP).

What are some challenges in achieving clock synchronization?

One of the main challenges in clock synchronization is the delay or latency in communication between devices. This can lead to discrepancies in timekeeping and make it difficult to achieve precise synchronization. Other challenges include hardware limitations and accuracy of time sources.

How is the clock synchronization problem being addressed in modern technology?

In modern technology, the clock synchronization problem is often addressed through a combination of methods, such as using a combination of NTP and PTP, as well as implementing advanced algorithms and protocols to compensate for communication delays. Additionally, advancements in hardware and timekeeping technology have also helped to improve clock synchronization.

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