Title: 2 Time Dilation
Course: Relativity > Section: Module 5: 2 Time Dilation

2. Time Dilation

Explanation

Time dilation refers to the phenomenon where time passes at different rates for individuals based on their relative speeds or gravitational fields. The faster an object moves, the slower time moves for it in relation to a stationary observer.

Example

Consider two identical twins. One stays on Earth (Twin A) while the other travels in a spaceship at near the speed of light (Twin B). Upon Twin B’s return, they will have aged less than Twin A, despite both starting at the same age. This is a result of time dilation.

3. Length Contraction