Time is slower deep down in a potential well

In summary, when a clock is lifted to a greater height, it requires work to be done on it which results in gravitational energy being stored in the clock. This causes the clock to tick faster. Additionally, the potential well of a location affects the time of a clock as it measures the work needed to move the clock out of that location. This is why a clock runs slower when it is lowered into a potential well. It appears that the act of moving the clock, rather than its location, is what affects its time. However, it is not clear how the clock knows how much energy it would take to haul it out in order to adjust its time accordingly.
  • #1
Tesla
9
0
1) If you lift a clock to a greater height, you have to do work on it - the work done appears as gravitational energy stored in the clock; This shows up in the guise of extra tick-tock energy, as a result of which the clock ticks a bit faster.
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2) Time is slower deep down in a potential well. Potential measures the work that it would take to haul something back out.
Tie a rope to it and lower it down a hole and it will run slower.
What matters is how much work it would take to haul it up and out.
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Do you agree w/#1 and or #2 above?

Both of these points, which are not mine, make it seem that it is the act of moving the clock which changes its time to run either faster or slower, and not 'where' it is located.
So, a clock made on the top of a mountain, or made at the bottom of a mine shaft should run exactly like a clock located at the Earth's surface!?
 
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  • #2
No, not number 1. The change in the speed of the clock is due to gravitational force, not kenetic energy.
 
  • #3
#1 is from Paul Davies book:
ABOUT TIME
Einstein's Unfinished Revolution
 
  • #4
#1 & #2 make it appear that its the act of moving the clock that causes its time to run either faster of slower and not the gravity in that location.

If that is the case wouldn't the extra 'tick-tock' energy wear off after awhile with the clock now being stationary?

And how does the clock know how much energy it would take to haul it out, so it can slow down by that exact amout?
 

FAQ: Time is slower deep down in a potential well

What is a potential well?

A potential well is a concept in physics that describes a region in space where a particle experiences a force that pulls it towards the center of the well. This force can be due to gravity, electric fields, or other interactions.

How does a potential well affect time?

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time is relative and can be affected by gravity. In a potential well, the force pulling objects towards the center causes a distortion in spacetime, resulting in time passing slower in the deeper parts of the well.

Why is time slower deep down in a potential well?

As objects move closer to the center of a potential well, the force of gravity increases, creating a stronger distortion in spacetime. This distortion causes time to pass slower because the rate at which time passes is directly related to the strength of the gravitational field.

Can we observe the difference in time passing in a potential well?

Yes, we can observe the difference in time passing in a potential well through experiments and observations. For example, atomic clocks placed at different depths in a potential well will show a difference in the passage of time. Satellites in orbit around Earth also experience a slower rate of time due to being in a weaker gravitational field compared to objects on the surface.

Is time always slower in a potential well?

No, time is not always slower in a potential well. The effect of time passing slower is only significant in regions with a strong gravitational field, such as near massive objects like planets and stars. In areas with weaker gravitational fields, such as in interstellar space, time is not significantly affected.

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