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The Twin Paradox
Transcript
What is an inertial reference frame and why does it matter?
Any frame of reference in which there is no acceleration- that is, the velocity stays the same (either 0 or a constant).
Einstein's theory of special relativity only applies to inertial reference frames, where physical laws remain constant.
Practice Problem
v=d/t so t=d/v, we have a larger d but constant v so a larger t is observed where observer doesn't move (Earth)
- A(Δt0) leaves for a distant planet at a speed of 0.9c, then returns at the same speed
- B (Δt) stays on Earth and measures 5 years from A's departure to return
- What time does A measure for A's trip?
Einstein's 1905 Special Theory of Relativity
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/einsteinlight/index.html
1.)"The laws of physics have the same form in all inertial reference frames"
2.) "Light propagates through empty space with a definite speed c independent of the speed of the source or observer"
The Twin Paradox
Solve for Δt0 to get an answer of
Δt0=2.2 years that A measured for the trip
Reed Oberlander
Thursday, 5 September 2013
PEP 187-A
How do we really know Time Dilation exists and that time is truly slower for the non-inertial reference frame?
Experiments! : Hafele & Keating 1971- flew cesium atomic clocks, accurate to the nanosecond around the world and compared them to stationary clocks. Flying clocks lost time within acceptable error bounds.
Neil deGrasse Tyson explains Twin Paradox
What happens?
Solving the "Paradox"
- A is not always in an inertial reference frame because A accelerates
- B is always in an inertial reference frame
- Two twins (A, B)
- A travels near c to a distant planet (Pandora, Tatooine, etc.)
- B stays on Earth
- After A returns, they will both think the other moved (relatively) and will each perceive the other as younger
- Therefore, we say A "actually moved" and B "stayed still" so A correctly views B as older and not the other way around because Special Relativity only applies to inertial reference frames
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