How Gravity Affects Atomic Clocks: Understanding Gravitational Time Dilation
Discover how gravity influences atomic clocks and why it matters for precision timing systems like GPS.
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Gravity does impact an atomic clock. According to General Relativity, clocks closer to massive objects (experiencing stronger gravity) tick slower compared to those further away. This phenomenon is called gravitational time dilation, and it must be accounted for in precision timekeeping, such as GPS satellites.
FAQs & Answers
- What is gravitational time dilation? Gravitational time dilation is a phenomenon where time runs slower in strong gravitational fields compared to weaker fields.
- Why do GPS satellites need to account for gravity? GPS satellites experience less gravity than objects on Earth, affecting their atomic clocks and necessitating corrections for accurate positioning.
- How does General Relativity relate to timekeeping? General Relativity explains how gravity affects time, demonstrating that strong gravitational fields can alter the rate at which clocks tick.