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Time Dilation and Gps

Time dilation is a phenomenon where the passage of time is experienced differently by observers in different frames of reference or under the influence of gravitational fields. The Global Positioning System (GPS) relies on precise time measurements from satellites, which experience both gravitational and kinetic time dilation effects. Specifically, GPS satellites gain 45 microseconds per day due to gravitational time dilation but lose 7 microseconds per day due to kinetic time dilation, resulting in a net gain of 38 microseconds per day accounted for in GPS calculations.

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Kamal Garg
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252 views3 pages

Time Dilation and Gps

Time dilation is a phenomenon where the passage of time is experienced differently by observers in different frames of reference or under the influence of gravitational fields. The Global Positioning System (GPS) relies on precise time measurements from satellites, which experience both gravitational and kinetic time dilation effects. Specifically, GPS satellites gain 45 microseconds per day due to gravitational time dilation but lose 7 microseconds per day due to kinetic time dilation, resulting in a net gain of 38 microseconds per day accounted for in GPS calculations.

Uploaded by

Kamal Garg
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

TIME DILATION AND GPS

Time dilation is the phenomenon which occurs due to change in frame of


reference. In the theory of relativity, time dilation is a difference of
elapsed time between two events as measured by observers either
moving relative to each other or differently situated from gravitational
masses.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a global radio navigation system


made up of 24 satellites and their ground stations. These "Man-made
stars" are used by GPS to calculate positions that are accurate to a few
metres. In fact, modern GPS systems can make measurements as precise
as a millimetre!
TWO TYPES OF TIME DILATION

Gravitational time dilation

According to General Theory of Relativity, time moves more slowly in


strong gravitational fields.
Lower the gravitational potential, slower time passes, speeding up as
the gravitational potential increases.
Kinetic time dilation

According to Special theory of Relativity, time moves more slowly for


objects travelling with higher velocity.
Special relativity, measures “slowing down” of a clock as determined
by an observer who is in relative motion with respect to that clock
o GPS satellites will lose 7 microseconds each day,
according to Special Property.

o GPS satellites will gain 45 microseconds each day, according


to General Relativity.

o As a result, GR and SR jointly anticipate a daily gain of


38 microseconds for Global positioning system (GPS)
satellites.
o (The best atomic clocks are predicted to be off by less
than one second in 50 million years.)

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