Time Dilation – Rory Moorhouse-McNerney

Time Dilation: Coined by Albert Einstein, time dilation is a fundamental concept in modern physics and the theory of relativity that describes the phenomenon where time passes at different rates for observer in differing relative motions, special relativity, and due to the presence of large gravitational fields bending spacetime, general relativity. In the case of special relativity, time dilation famously occurs during thought experiments where one observer remains stationary whilst the other travels at a high velocity approaching the speed of light and shoots a bullet also approaching the speed of light. From the perspective of the stationary observer, the bullet appears to be exceeding the speed of light, but since the speed of light is constant for all observers regardless of their motion, time must be passing slower for the bullet relative to the observer. Time dilation intensifies as the relative velocity of the bullet approaches the speed of light. Whilst noticeable instances of time dilation due to differing relative motions are mostly theoretical, real-world scientific experiments using atomic clocks on fast-moving aircrafts have proven this phenomenon to be true. In the case of general relativity, time passes slower in stronger gravitational fields. This means in fields that are closer to very dense and massive objects with strong gravitational pulls, like planets or black holes, time is passing slower in the greater curvature of spacetime. Time dilation intensifies as the gravitational pull strengthens and the curvature of spacetime increases. Whilst impossible to observe in our everyday lives, time dilation fundamentally alters our understanding of time and space, revealing the interconnected nature of spacetime. Furthermore, it challenges the prevailing logical view of time as a “linear flow,” empirically emphasizing that time is not a simple, unidirectional arrow, but is influenced by a variety of factors.

References:

Did Time Start at the Big Bang? Directed by Andrew Kornhaber, PBS Space Time. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8gV05nS7mc. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

Thorne, Kip S., and Christopher Nolan. The Science of Interstellar. First edition, W.W. Norton & Company, 2014.

Time Dilation – Einstein’s Theory Of Relativity Explained! Science ABC. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuD34tEpRFw. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.