Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Another physics question

This is the twin 'paradox'

Good discussions can be found:

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/TwinParadox/twin_intro.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_paradox

There is an asymmetry between the two frames of reference.... there really isnt a paradox.

The issue in the general relativity solution is how the traveling twin perceives the situation during the acceleration for the turn-around. This issue is well described in Einstein's twin paradox solution of 1918[1]. In this solution it was noted that from the viewpoint of the traveler, the calculation for each separate leg equals that of special relativity, in which the Earth clocks age less than the traveler. For example, if the Earth clocks age 1 day less on each leg, the amount that the Earth clocks will lag behind due to speed alone amounts to 2 days. Now the accelerated frame is regarded as truly stationary, and the physical description of what happens at turn-around has to produce a contrary effect of double that amount: 4 days' advancing of the Earth clocks. Then the traveler's clock will end up with a 2-day delay on the Earth clocks, just as special relativity stipulates.

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