Table of Contents
How do we know time dilation is real?
There are several direct proofs of time dilation. Extremely accurate clocks have been flown on jet aircraft. (The clock in motion shows a slightly slower passage of time than the one at rest.) In nature, subatomic particles called muons are created by cosmic ray interaction with the upper atmosphere.
Is length contraction is due to time dilation?
length contraction: Shortening of distance. time dilation: Clocks moving relative to an observer run more slowly compared to the clocks that are at rest relative to the observer.
Why time dilation is false?
Velocity time dilation makes no sense if motion is relative. It’s physically impossible for two clocks to tick slower than each other. One must tick faster than the other. “Time dilation” is a misnomer which reifies time as if it were a variable entity.
When does length contraction occur?
The spaceship would be measured to be 200 feet in length when at rest relative to the observer. Note that the length contraction is only significant when the object is moving at relativistic speeds – i.e., speeds which are a significant fraction of the speed of light.
Is time dilation real?
Image credit: ESA/ATG medialab Time dilation is real! And anyone who uses a GPS, or the “My Location” option on Google Maps, is making direct use of the fact that time dilation is real.
How does time dilation affect the speed of light?
This form of time dilation goes such that the faster you’re moving, the slower your clocks appear to move, relative to someone who is not moving. This effect gets more and more dramatic the closer to the speed of light you travel, so the offset in your clocks would get more severe.
How does time dilation affect the GPS?
As it happens, the gravitational time dilation has a more significant impact on the clock than the speed of the GPS relative to us on the ground.
What is the concept of time dilation in interstellar?
The idea behind time dilation is just as you describe, where your perception of time is dependent on how fast you’re going, or how close to a very large object you are. Interstellar actually did a remarkably good job of discussing time dilation in general, especially given how counter-intuitive ideas to do with relativity can be.