Special relativity and the twins: a review and a new approach

TL;DR

This paper offers a clear, exact resolution of the twin paradox using only special relativity and the equivalence principle, aiming to clarify misconceptions and aid teaching.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, exact approach to the twin paradox that relies solely on special relativity and the equivalence principle, avoiding the need for general relativity.

Findings

Provides an exact solution to the twin paradox using special relativity.

Clarifies misconceptions about the necessity of general relativity.

Includes background review suitable for educational purposes.

Abstract

It is sometimes claimed that the twin "paradox" requires general relativity for a resolution. This paper presents a simple, exact resolution using only special relativity and the equivalence principle. Two earlier approximate solutions are considered, along with some background review to render the article self-contained. It is hoped that this material will be suitable for classroom instruction.