Homotopy symmetry in the multiply connected twin paradox of special relativity

Details Homotopy symmetry in the multiply connected twin paradox of special relativity Homotopy symmetry in the multiply connected twin paradox of special relativity

2006-06-22

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0606559v6

Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc.390:655,2008

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

11 pages, 9 figures, v6: more elementary algebra, extra figure, accepted in MNRAS, the definitive version will be available at

Scientific paper

10.1111/j.1365-2966.2008.13734.x

In a multiply connected space, the two twins of the special relativity twin paradox move with constant relative speed and meet a second time without acceleration. The twins' situations appear to be symmetrical despite the need for one to be younger due to time dilation. Here, the suggestion that the apparent symmetry is broken by homotopy classes of the twins' worldlines is reexamined using space-time diagrams. It is found that each twin finds her own spatial path to have zero winding index and that of the other twin to have unity winding index, i.e. the twins' worldlines' relative homotopy classes are symmetrical. Although the twins' apparent symmetry is in fact broken by the need for the non-favoured twin to non-simultaneously identify spatial domain boundaries, the non-favoured twin {\em cannot} detect her disfavoured state if she only measures the homotopy classes of the two twins' projected worldlines, contrary to what was previously suggested. We also note that for the non-favoured twin, the fundamental domain can be chosen by identifying time boundaries (with a spatial offset) instead of space boundaries (with a temporal offset).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Homotopy symmetry in the multiply connected twin paradox of special relativity does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Homotopy symmetry in the multiply connected twin paradox of special relativity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Homotopy symmetry in the multiply connected twin paradox of special relativity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-207994