Problem Description
According to Einstein’s theory of special relativity, time dilation occurs for objects moving at significant fractions of the speed of light.
The formula for time dilation is:
$$
t’ = \frac{t}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}
$$
- $( t’ )$: Time experienced by the moving observer (proper time).
- $( t )$: Time experienced by the stationary observer.
- $( v )$: Velocity of the moving object.
- $( c )$: Speed of light $(( \approx 3 \times 10^8 , \text{m/s} ))$.
Goal
Simulate how time dilation depends on the velocity $( v )$ of the moving object as a fraction of the speed of light $( c )$.
Python Implementation
1 | import numpy as np |
Code Explanation
- Constants:
The speed of light and stationary observer’s time are defined. - Velocity Fractions:
The object’s velocity is expressed as fractions of $( c )$, ranging from $0$ to $0.99$ ($99$% of $( c )$). - Time Dilation Formula:
The time dilation is computed using the relativistic formula. - Plotting:
The relationship between velocity (as a fraction of $( c )$) and time dilation is plotted.
Results and Visualization

The graph illustrates the effect of velocity on time dilation:
- At low velocities $(( v/c \approx 0 ))$, time dilation is minimal $(( t’ \approx t ))$.
- As velocity approaches the speed of light $(( v/c \to 1 ))$, time dilation increases drastically $(( t’ \to \infty ))$.
- This demonstrates how relativistic effects become significant only at very high velocities, a key feature of special relativity.










