The twin paradox: Simple explanation?

Question

My biology teacher explained to my class today the 'twin paradox'. She went into a little bit to much mathematical detail and got me all confused, but I am still very curious as to what the hell it is.

Can someone explain to me the twin paradox, in a simple yet detailed (does that make sense?) way that a 16 year old English nerd can understand?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

My quick explanation:

There are two twins (twin A and B) that are exactly identical to eachother. Twin A takes off in a space ship going close to the speed of light. Einstein's theory of relativity says that an objects combined motion through space and through time adds up to the speed of light. Because twin A is moving at very high speeds through space, his movement through time is noticibly slower.(his total speed through time and through space still adds up to the speed of light though).



Once he gets back to Earth he finds that Twin B is much older than he is. This is simply because Twin B was moving at very slow speeds relative to Twin A therefore he experience much more motion through time.



This isn't really a paradox though, because it doesn't violate any laws of physics.



Hope my explanation helped. =)

Answer 2

Twin Paradox Explained

Answer 3

One of the twins experiences time faster than the other twin. One ages faster than the other due to time dilation.



http://mentock.home.mindspring.com/twins.htm