1. What is Time Dilation?

Time dilation is a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity where time appears to pass at different rates for observers in different inertial frames of reference, especially when relative velocities approach the speed of light.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the time dilation equation:

Where:

• \( \Delta t \) — Dilated time (observed time)
• \( \Delta t_0 \) — Proper time (time in the rest frame)
• \( v \) — Relative velocity between observers
• \( c \) — Speed of light in vacuum (299,792,458 m/s)

Explanation: As velocity approaches the speed of light, time appears to slow down for the moving observer from the perspective of a stationary observer.

3. Importance of Time Dilation

Details: Time dilation has practical implications for GPS satellite systems, space travel, and our understanding of the universe. It becomes significant at velocities above 10% of the speed of light.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter proper time in seconds, velocity in meters per second, and speed of light (default is 299,792,458 m/s). Velocity must be less than the speed of light.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does time dilation affect astronauts?
A: Yes, but the effect is minimal at current spacecraft speeds. ISS astronauts experience about 0.007 seconds less than people on Earth after 6 months.

Q2: What happens at the speed of light?
A: The equation becomes undefined at v = c. According to relativity, objects with mass cannot reach the speed of light.

Q3: Has time dilation been proven?
A: Yes, numerous experiments including atomic clocks on airplanes and satellite systems confirm time dilation effects.

Q4: What about gravitational time dilation?
A: This calculator only handles velocity time dilation. Gravitational time dilation requires general relativity equations.

Q5: How significant is the effect at different speeds?
A: At 10% of light speed, dilation is about 0.5%. At 90%, it's 229%. At 99.9%, it's 22.4 times slower.