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The twin paradox and Mach’s principle

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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 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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Weltraumforschung, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Schmiedlstrasse 12, 8042, Graz, Austria

    H. Lichtenegger

  2. Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca (M.I.U.R.), Istruzione, Italy

    L. Iorio

  3. International Institute for Theoretical Physics and Advanced Mathematics Einstein-Galilei, Prato, Italy

    L. Iorio

Authors
  1. H. Lichtenegger
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  2. L. Iorio
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Correspondence to L. Iorio.

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Lichtenegger, H., Iorio, L. The twin paradox and Mach’s principle. Eur. Phys. J. Plus 126, 129 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2011-11129-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2011-11129-2

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