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The Paradox of Relativity (Posted on 2006-05-24) Difficulty: 4 of 5
This is a classic thought experiment relating to the Special Theory of Relativity.

Two twins of the same age start on planet Earth. Twin A stays on Earth while twin B travels far, far away and back at near the speed of light.

Because of Special Relativity, A looks at B's clock, and it moves slower than his own. So at the end of B's journey, A is much older than B.

However, B's frame of reference is equally valid. According to B, A's clock is moving slower than his own. So at the end of the journey, B is older than A.

What faulty reasoning leads to this apparent contradiction?

See The Solution Submitted by Tristan    
Rating: 4.3333 (3 votes)

Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
  Subject Author Date
SolutionSolutionMath Man2019-07-26 15:11:40
Solutionre(2): Some thoughtsKen Haley2006-05-29 02:02:31
re(2): Some thoughtsFederico Kereki2006-05-28 20:37:50
re: Some thoughtsTristan2006-05-26 16:37:07
The TwinsGina Ernyey2006-05-26 13:15:59
Some Thoughtsre(3): Some thoughtstomarken2006-05-24 19:28:13
re(2): Some thoughtsSir Percivale2006-05-24 19:05:13
Solutionre: Some thoughtse.g.2006-05-24 17:41:12
How I understand it...Eric2006-05-24 17:25:58
SolutionSome thoughtstomarken2006-05-24 17:15:40
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