Time Stops at the Speed of Light. What Does that Mean?
Sabine Hossenfelder・2 minutes read
Einstein's theories of special and general relativity explain that time does not pass for light, viewing it as a coordinate in four-dimensional SpaceTime, with proper time measured along an observer's world line in SpaceTime. While coordinate time continues, the proper time for light is zero, meaning everything along its path happens simultaneously, highlighting the importance of understanding the distinction between these concepts for comprehending the notion of time for light.
Insights
- Einstein's theories of special and general relativity introduce the idea of SpaceTime, where time is a dimension alongside space, and distinguish between coordinate time (a convention) and proper time (measured along an observer's world line).
- In SpaceTime, an observer moving at the speed of light experiences a proper time of zero, meaning everything happens simultaneously for light; this distinction between coordinate and proper time is essential to grasp the unique nature of time for light.
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Recent questions
How does Einstein's theory view time?
As a coordinate in SpaceTime.
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