Special Theory of Relativity

(Einstein Postulate, Time Dilation, Twin Paradox

and Length Contraction)

Modern Physics
Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology
Labuyo, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
Room #1
Objectives:
1. Explain the theory of relativity.
2. Discuss and relate the time dilation, twin paradox and length
contraction.
3. Derive formula from the concept of time dilation and length
contraction.
4. Apply the time dilation and length contraction formula to the
problem.
5. Develop problem solving skills and strategy.
6. Interpret and relate the computed answer to the problem and
concept of special relativity.
Outline of the Discussion
Einstein Postulate
Outline of the Discussion
Einstein Postulate

Time Dilation
Outline of the Discussion
Einstein Postulate

Time Dilation

Twin Paradox
Outline of the Discussion
Einstein Postulate

Time Dilation

Twin Paradox

Length Contraction
Einstein Postulate (1905)
1. Principle of Relativity
Einstein Postulate (1905)
1. Principle of Relativity
“The laws of physics are the same in
all inertial frame of reference”.
Pendulum Pendulum

Stationary or no acceleration with velocity and acceleration

Inertial Frame of Non - nertial Frame of

Reference Reference
Einstein Postulate (1905)
1. Principle of Relativity
“The laws of physics are the same in
all inertial frame of reference”.

Inertial Reference Frame have zero

acceleration (Constant Velocity)
Einstein Postulate (1905)
1. Principle of Relativity
“The laws of physics are the same in
all inertial frame of reference”.

Inertial Reference Frame have zero

acceleration (Constant Velocity)
Einstein Postulate (1905)
1. Principle of Relativity
“The laws of physics are the same in
all inertial frame of reference”.

Inertial Reference Frame have zero

acceleration (Constant Velocity)
Einstein Postulate (1905)
1. Principle of Relativity
“The laws of physics are the same in
all inertial frame of reference”.

Inertial Reference Frame have zero

acceleration (Constant Velocity)
Einstein Postulate
1. Principle of Relativity
“The laws of physics are the same in
all inertial frame of reference”.

2. Principle of Invariant light speed

Einstein Postulate
1. Principle of Relativity
“The laws of physics are the same in
all inertial frame of reference”.

2. Principle of Invariant light speed

”The speed of light “c” in free space
has the same value in all inertial
frame of reference”.
Brief History
Brief History
Brief History
Brief History
Einstein Postulate
1. Principle of Relativity
“The laws of physics are the same in
all inertial frame of reference”.

2. Principle of Invariant light speed

”The speed of light “c” in free space
has the same value in all inertial
frame of reference”.
Speed of light “c” = 299 792 458
Time Dilation
• As an object moves with relativistic speed or move
faster, the slower the time passes.
• Dilation – being made larger or wider.
Time Dilation
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
 Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Velocity = 0.9 c
Time Dilation

Observe inside the ship Observe by the observer on earth

Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation
Time Dilation

From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
Time Dilation

ct
cto

vt
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
Time Dilation

ct
cto

vt
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation

ct
cto
vt
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
t 2 = to 2 + ( )
vt
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
t2 - ( ) = t o2
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
t2 - ( ) = t o 2
From our previous lesson,

Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
t2 + ( ) = t o2
From our previous lesson,
t2 (1- ) = to2
Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
t2 + ( ) = t o2
From our previous lesson,
t2 (1- ) = to2
Velocity =

Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
t2 + ( ) = t o2
From our previous lesson,
t2 (1- ) = to2
Velocity =
t2 =
Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
t2 + ( ) = t o2
From our previous lesson,
t2 (1- ) = to2
Velocity =
t2 =
Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt t=

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
t2 + ( ) = t o2
From our previous lesson,
t2 (1- ) = to2
Velocity =
t2 =
Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt t=

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut
 Time Dilation
Using Pythagorean Theorem:
ct (ct)2 = (cto)2 + (vt)2
cto
vt t 2 = to 2 + ( )
t2 + ( ) = t o2
From our previous lesson,
t2 (1- ) = to2
Velocity =
t2 =
Distance = (Velocity)(Time)
d = vt t=

d = ct  Earth’s Observer
d = cto  Astronaut Time Dilation Formula
Time Dilation

Time Dilation Formula

t=
Time Dilation

Time Dilation Formula

t= Where;
to = proper time interval
(frame at rest with respect to the events)
t = dilated time interval
(frame in motion with respect to the events)
 Time Dilation
Example Problem. An astronaut is in a ship traveling at 80%
of light speed (velocity: 0.8c) for 1 year. If the ship moves at
this constant speed, how long would it be for someone on
earth?
1 year

v = 0.8 c

?
 Time Dilation
Example Problem. An astronaut is in a ship traveling at 80%
of light speed (velocity: 0.8c) for 1 year. If the ship moves at
this constant speed, how long would it be for someone on
earth?
1 year

v = 0.8 c

?
 Time Dilation
Example Problem. An astronaut is in a ship traveling at 80%
of light speed (velocity: 0.8c) for 1 year. If the ship moves at
this constant speed, how long would it be for someone on
earth?
Given: Solution:
c = 2.998 x 108
v = 0.8 c Use the formula in getting the time
to= 1 year dilation and substitute the given variables.
t=? t=
 Time Dilation
Solution:
Given: Use the formula in getting the time dilation and substitute the
c = 2.998 x 108 given variables.
v = 0.8 c
to= 1 year
t=?
Twin Paradox
Twin Paradox
Twin Paradox
Twin Paradox
Twin Paradox
Twin Paradox
Space
Earth
Summary
Time Dilation
As an object moves with relativistic speed or move faster, the slower the time
passes.

Ship Earth
to t
Good Day and Thank You!