Einstein's Theory of Relativity



According to Einstein, the passage of time for an observer slows down as the observer approaches the speed of light. This theory is based on the fact that the speed of light is the same for all inertial reference frames regardless of velocity. Otherwise as the earth, during its obit, moves towards a distance star, the measured speed of the light from the star would increase because we would essentially be adding our velocity to it.

This theory and Einstein's other theories have been demonstrated by a number of experiments. However, I still have some nagging doubts about the time paradox.

I'm sure this has been mulled over by many minds more brilliant than mine, but here is my problem:

Fast Rocket

Suppose you have a rocket moving at half the speed of light (1/2 c = 150,000 km/s) away from the earth. According to Einstein's theory, the passage of time experenced by the crew of the rocket would be half that experienced by the earth. Therefore the speed of the light reflected from the earth relative to the rocket would remain c instead of 1/2 c. However the light from the rocket's destination would would be arriving at a velocity of 1.5 c and since the passage of time measured by the crew would be half, the light from the destination would be measured at a speed of 3 c.

I'm sure there is a very logical solution to this problem. But to me it is a problem none the less.

I've recently read demon haunted world by Carl Sagan and was suprised to see his dismay towards us Einstein doubters. However, by doubting Einstein's theories, I have been spending a fair amount of time researching them. Carl Sagan should atleast be proud of that.

In the meantime, I'll continue to read up on Einstein's theory and hopefully have more to report on next month.

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To answer my question pleas e-mail me at: [email protected]

I would capitalize, underline or put in quotations, demon haunted world like any Grade 5 Grammer student should, but for some completely bizarre reason, this site won't let me upload the file if I do. I don't mean to bash Yahoo or Geocities, after all you guys are great, all love the free webspace and the easy uploading, but this capitalization thing is completely baffling. I've been trying for days to figure out what was wrong with my file and it turns out to be that. Its a good thing I'm a former testi (test engineer). The worst thing is now I'm curious to see what words I can get away with. I'll soon be making a website full of obscenities and words like "porn".

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