The many satellites used in the Global Positioning System are constructed so tha
ID: 1607712 • Letter: T
Question
The many satellites used in the Global Positioning System are constructed so that their onboard clocks are synchronized with clocks on earth. In order for this to be possible, the satellite clocks are manufactured so that if placed in the same inertial frame as clocks on earth, the satellite clocks will run at a different rate. This is necessary to correct for what relativistic effect(s)?1. There is no such thing as a “GPS satellite.” The GPS system depends on precise atomic clocks, but they are located in Boulder, Colorado.
2. They move so fast in orbit that extreme Time Dilation has to be allowed for.
3. They don’t need to be adjusted at all, but do have to be carefully designed to work in the vacuum of earth orbit. Relativistic effects under these conditions are too tiny to notice.
4. They have to be adjusted only for their altitude above the earth, which affects the rate at which the clocks run, according to the theories of Gravity of Newton and Einstein.
5. They are adjusted to compensate for Time Dilation (Special Relativity) and for the effects of differing gravitational acceleration on clocks (Einstein’s Theory of Gravity, aka General Relativity). For satellites of earth, these effects are very small, but have to be corrected for.
Explanation / Answer
5. They are adjusted to compensate for Time Dilation (Special Relativity) and for the effects of differing gravitational acceleration on clocks (Einstein’s Theory of Gravity, aka General Relativity). For satellites of earth, these effects are very small, but have to be corrected for.
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