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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: ( Back to comment list | You must be logged in to post comments.)
re(2): Some thoughts | Comment 8 of 10 |
(In reply to re: Some thoughts by Tristan)

Maybe they are both in motion, but without turning back (and accelerating!) the twins would never meet again.
  Posted by Federico Kereki on 2006-05-28 20:37:50

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