Proper-time measurement in accelerated relativistic systems

Abstract

Separate constituents of extended systems measure proper-times on different world-lines. Relating and comparing proper-time measurements along any two such world-lines requires that common simultaneity be possible, which in turn implies that the system is linearly-rigidly moving so that momentary rest frames are identifiable at any stage of the system's journey in space-time. Once momentary rest-frames have been identified, clocks moving on separate world-lines are synchronizable by light-signal communication. The synchronization relations for two clocks are explicitly computed using light-signals exchanged between them. Implications for the clock hypothesis are included. Also, since simultaneity is frame-dependent, incorrect usage of it leads to pseudo-paradoxes. Counter-examples are discussed.