Einstein's Clock

The applet on the left illustrates a simple version of Einstein's Clock - a simulation intended to give you a better understanding of time dilation.

To run the clock...

• set the speed of the top rocket by using the slide bar
• you can synchronize the clocks at any time by pressing the synchronize button
• if the sound of the clocks starts to annoy you press the mute button

Things to Watch For ...

• notice that the clocks "beep" at different pitches - the moving clock has a lower pitch. As the top clock begins to move synchronization will be lost. Adjust the velocity of the rocket (v/c) and see at what speed this becomes noticeable
• notice anything "odd" about the length of one of the rockets?