On Radar Time and the Twin `Paradox'
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
2009-11-07 v2 High Energy Physics - Theory
Abstract
In this paper we apply the concept of radar time (popularised by Bondi in his work on k-calculus) to the well-known relativistic twin `paradox'. Radar time is used to define hypersurfaces of simultaneity for a class of travelling twins, from the `Immediate Turn-around' case, through the `Gradual Turn-around' case, to the `Uniformly Accelerating' case. We show that this definition of simultaneity is independent of choice of coordinates, and assigns a unique time to any event (with which the travelling twin can send and receive signals), resolving some common misconceptions.
Cite
@article{arxiv.gr-qc/0104077,
title = {On Radar Time and the Twin `Paradox'},
author = {Carl E. Dolby and Stephen F. Gull},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:gr-qc/0104077},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
9 pages, 10 figures. Minor changes (includes minor corrections not in published version)