Understanding Time Dilation
Time dilation is a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's theory of special relativity. It occurs when two observers moving relative to each other measure different elapsed times for the same event. This calculator shows how time dilation affects both the stationary observer and the moving object.
Key points to remember:
- Time always passes more slowly for the moving object (from the perspective of the stationary observer).
- The effect becomes more pronounced as the speed approaches the speed of light.
- Time dilation is mutual - each observer sees the other's clock running slower.
The formula used for this calculation is:
t' = t * γ
Where:
- t' is the time measured by the stationary observer
- t is the time measured by the moving object
- γ (gamma) is the Lorentz factor: 1 / √(1 - v²/c²)
- v is the velocity of the moving object
- c is the speed of light