Time Dilation
Note: This article is regarding time dilation due to relative velocity.
Time dilation is a phenomenon that is exemplified by an apparent disparity in the passage of time within the context of multiple frames of reference.
The Main Idea
The easiest way to illustrate this concept is by example. For instance, imagine spaceship one moving at a uniform speed from point A to point B. Spaceship one has an on-board atomic clock that measures time accurately to the nanosecond. Now, imagine a second, identical spaceship (spaceship two) with an identical atomic clock moving at the same speed but this time heading from point B to point A. At the instance that the spaceships pass by one another on their respective routes, the pilot of spaceship one looks into the cockpit of spaceship two and notices that the atomic clock appears to be ticking slower in comparison to his own atomic clock.
A Mathematical Model
What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.
A Computational Model
How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript
Examples
Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible
Simple
Middling
Difficult
Connectedness
- How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
- How is it connected to your major?
- Is there an interesting industrial application?
History
Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
See also
Provides context for the theories that lead up to time dilation.
Offers an alternate perspective, specifically in the context of how time dilation affects observable events.
Further reading
Hazla, Miroslav, "Dilation of Time and Space: An Examination of the True Nature of Spacetime."
Pabisch, Roland, "Derivation of the time dilatation effect from fundamental properties of photons."
External links
References
http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/relativity10.htm