Final answer:
The gravitational field affects the passage of time by causing time dilation, where time flows slower in stronger gravitational fields. This phenomenon has been confirmed through experiments with atomic clocks on Earth and in space, aligning with the predictions of general relativity theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gravitational Field and Time Dilation
How does a gravitational field affect the passage of time? The correct answer is B) Clocks in a gravitational field run slower than clocks farther from the center of the field when viewed by an observer who is also farther from the center of the field. According to Einstein's general relativity theory, the stronger the gravitational field, the slower the pace of time, a concept known as time dilation. This phenomenon occurs because gravity affects the space-time continuum and thus changes the flow of time relative to areas with weaker gravity.
For instance, the clocks on Earth's surface run slightly slower compared to those on satellites in orbit. This effect has been observed and measured with impeccable accuracy using sophisticated atomic clocks in various experiments, confirming the principles of general relativity.
Gravitational redshift observed from radiation emerging from objects like white dwarfs or neutron stars further corroborates the link between gravity's strength and the rate at which time passes. The immense gravitational pull of black holes is such that, for example, if an astronaut were approaching one and sent a signal once per second as per their watch, an observer far away would perceive these signals as being sent less frequently, demonstrating the extreme effect of gravity on time.