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Hello! What is the formula for time dilation due to the gravity experienced by an object in a gravitational field (relative to an observer that is not in a gravitational field)? Please explain the formula in detail, I have had some trouble finding it (and knowing how to use it) on the internet. Thank you so much for your help!
Question Date: 2010-07-06
Answer 1:

Again you are asking a question that requires a quantitative understanding of general relativity and far more advanced math than I'm qualified to explain. The fact that general relativity cannot be quantitatively explained to a college freshman is arguably indication that it is not well understood at all (Richard Feinman would have said so, at least).

I do know that the computer inside a GPS unit *does* use that formula, however. I wish I could see the code that was used to program it!



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