THE TWIN PARADOX IN SPECIAL RELATIVITY
Student Name: Aliza
Class: 12 (ISC)
Subject: Physics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Understanding Special Relativity
3. The Twin Paradox: Thought Experiment
4. Mathematical Explanation
5. Resolving the Paradox
6. Experimental Evidence
7. Implications of Time Dilation
8. Conclusion
9. References
1. INTRODUCTION
The Twin Paradox is one of the most famous thought experiments in
Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity. It presents a seemingly paradoxical
situation where one twin, traveling at relativistic speeds, returns younger
than the twin who remained on Earth. This project explores the principles of
time dilation, Lorentz transformations, and real-world implications of the
paradox.
2. UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL RELATIVITY
2.1 Einstein’s Two Postulates
1. The laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of reference.
2. The speed of light in a vacuum is constant for all observers, regardless of
their motion.
2.2 Consequences of Special Relativity
Einstein’s postulates lead to surprising effects, such as time dilation, length
contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity. These effects become
significant at speeds close to the speed of light.
3. THE TWIN PARADOX: THOUGHT EXPERIMENT
In the Twin Paradox, one twin (A) stays on Earth while the other twin (B)
travels in a spaceship at a speed close to the speed of light. When twin B
returns, they are younger than twin A, which appears paradoxical.
4. MATHEMATICAL EXPLANATION
4.1 Time Dilation Formula
Time dilation is mathematically described by the equation:
t' = t / sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2)
where:
- t' is the time experienced by the moving observer
- t is the time experienced by the stationary observer
- v is the velocity of the moving observer
- c is the speed of light
5. RESOLVING THE PARADOX
5.1 The Role of Acceleration
The paradox is resolved when considering acceleration. The traveling twin
switches frames of reference, which breaks the symmetry of the situation.
This explains why only the moving twin experiences significant time
dilation.
6. EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE SUPPORTING TIME DILATION
6.1 Hafele-Keating Experiment (1971)
In 1971, Hafele and Keating flew atomic clocks around the world on
airplanes and compared their times to stationary clocks on Earth. The results
matched Einstein’s predictions for time dilation.
6.2 GPS and Relativity
GPS satellites experience time dilation due to their high speeds. Without
relativistic corrections, GPS systems would give incorrect positions.
7. IMPLICATIONS OF TIME DILATION
7.1 Space Travel and Aging
If humans could travel at near-light speeds, they could experience time much
slower than people on Earth. This could allow astronauts to travel far into
the future.
7.2 Black Holes and Time Dilation
Near a black hole, gravitational time dilation slows down time significantly.
This effect was shown in the movie Interstellar.
8. CONCLUSION
The Twin Paradox is a fascinating consequence of special relativity.
Experimental evidence confirms that time dilation is real and has practical
applications in modern technology.
9. REFERENCES
- Einstein, A. (1905). On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies.
- Hafele, J.C., & Keating, R.E. (1971). Around-the-World Atomic Clocks
Experiment.
- NASA (2025). GPS and Relativity.
