The twin paradox and Mach's principle

Abstract

The problem of absolute motion in the context of the twin paradox is discussed. It is shown that the various versions of the clock paradox feature some aspects which Mach might have been appreciated. However, the ultimate cause of the behavior of the clocks must be attributed to the autonomous status of spacetime, thereby proving the relational program advocated by Mach as impracticable.

Latex2e, 11 pages, 6 figures, 33 references, no tables. Accepted for publication in The European Physical Journal PLUS (EPJ PLUS)

References in corpus (3)

• Differential aging from acceleration, an explicit formula
• An analytical treatment of the Clock Paradox in the framework of the Special and General Theories of Relativity
• The clock paradox in a static homogeneous gravitational field

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• Vacuum Brans-Dicke theory in the Jordan and Einstein frames: can they be distinguished by lensing?
• Terrestrial Sagnac delay constraining modified gravity models
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• Upper limit on NUT charge from the observed terrestrial Sagnac effect
• A Relational Concept of Machian Relativity
• Terrestrial Sagnac delay in scalar-tensor-vector-gravity
• The twin paradox in a cosmological context
• Review of the Gravitomagnetic Clock Effect