Interesting dimensional analysis question posed about time perception

In summary, if 1 femtosecond feels like 1 second, then 7.078E-4 seconds would feel like approximately 22,429 years. This is based on a linear relationship and does not take into account any changes in perception due to relativity.
  • #1
cogandil
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Homework Statement


If you could hypothetically experience 1 femtosecond (1E-15 s) the same way you do normally for 1 second, how long would it seem to experience 7.078E-4 seconds?


Homework Equations


note: 1 femtosecond is to 1 second, what 1 second is to 31.7 million years.


The Attempt at a Solution


I just thought of this question, but I haven't actually been able to solve it.
 
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  • #2
So basically, your question is asking "If 1 femtosecond feels like 1 second, how long does [tex] 7.078\times 10^{-4} [/tex] seconds feel like?"

There's no immediately evident way to relate this to relativity, since time is the only quantity involved, and assuming your brain didn't change, your ability to measure time in any other reference frame can only decrease because of time dilation, not increase.

Thus, the obvious linear relationship is the only answer that seems logical to me:

[tex] \frac{10^{-15}\ s}{1\ s} = \frac{7.078\times 10^{-4}\ s}{t} [/tex]

[tex] t = 7.078\times 10^{11}\ s = 22429\ years [/tex]

...which is not a timescale the human brain is evolved to comprehend either!
 

FAQ: Interesting dimensional analysis question posed about time perception

How is time perception measured in dimensional analysis?

Time perception is typically measured using units of time, such as seconds, minutes, or hours. Researchers may also use other units, such as heartbeats or eye blinks, to measure time perception.

What factors influence time perception?

Several factors can influence time perception, including attention, emotions, and cognitive load. Time can also feel longer or shorter depending on our level of arousal and the novelty of the experience.

Can time perception be altered or manipulated?

Yes, time perception can be altered or manipulated in various ways. For example, researchers have found that meditation and mindfulness practices can alter our perception of time. Additionally, certain drugs or illnesses can also affect our perception of time.

How does time perception differ among individuals?

Time perception can vary among individuals due to factors such as age, culture, and personality. For example, younger individuals tend to perceive time as passing more slowly than older individuals. Culture can also influence time perception, with some cultures placing more value on punctuality and time efficiency than others.

What are the practical applications of studying time perception?

Studying time perception can have practical applications in various fields, such as psychology, neuroscience, and education. Understanding how we perceive time can help us improve our memory, decision-making, and overall well-being. It can also have implications for designing more effective learning environments and optimizing performance in various tasks.

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