 February 15, 2007
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Science Daily —
Subhash Kak, Delaune Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer
Engineering at LSU, recently resolved the twin paradox, known as one of
the most enduring puzzles of modern-day physics.
First suggested by Albert Einstein more than 100 years ago, the paradox
deals with the effects of time in the context of travel at near the
speed of light. Einstein originally used the example of two clocks --
one motionless, one in transit. He stated that, due to the laws of
physics, clocks being transported near the speed of light would move
more slowly than clocks that remained stationary. In more recent times,
the paradox has been described using the analogy of twins. If one twin
is placed on a space shuttle and travels near the speed of light while
the remaining twin remains earthbound, the unmoved twin would have aged
dramatically compared to his interstellar sibling, according to the
paradox.
"If the twin aboard the spaceship went to the nearest star, which is
4.45 light years away at 86 percent of the speed of light, when he
returned, he would have aged 5 years. But the earthbound twin would
have aged more than 10 years!" said Kak.
The fact that time slows
down on moving objects has been documented and verified over the years
through repeated experimentation. But, in the previous scenario, the
paradox is that the earthbound twin is the one who would be considered
to be in motion -- in relation to the sibling -- and therefore should
be the one aging more slowly. Einstein and other scientists have
attempted to resolve this problem before, but none of the formulas they
presented proved satisfactory.
Kak's findings were published
online in the International Journal of Theoretical Science, and will
appear in the upcoming print version of the publication. "I solved the
paradox by incorporating a new principle within the relativity
framework that defines motion not in relation to individual objects,
such as the two twins with respect to each other, but in relation to
distant stars," said Kak. Using probabilistic relationships, Kak's
solution assumes that the universe has the same general properties no
matter where one might be within it.
The implications of this
resolution will be widespread, generally enhancing the scientific
community's comprehension of relativity. It may eventually even have
some impact on quantum communications and computers, potentially making
it possible to design more efficient and reliable communication systems
for space applications.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Louisiana State University.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070214220824.htm
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