Final answer:
The twin paradox is resolved in Special Relativity by recognizing that the traveling twin experiences non-inertial motion (acceleration), which is not symmetrical with the Earth-bound twin's frame of reference. Due to time dilation, the Earth-bound twin ages faster, as the traveling twin's clock runs slower from the perspective of the earthbound observer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The resolution to the twin paradox according to Special Relativity involves understanding why the traveling twin ages less than the Earth-bound twin. The paradox is based on the concept of time dilation, a phenomenon that occurs at relativistic speeds, where time is measured differently for observers in relative motion. The key to resolving the paradox is recognizing that the situation is not symmetrical. The traveling twin experiences acceleration and deceleration when they turn around to come back to Earth, which breaks the symmetry needed for Special Relativity to apply equally to both twins. Therefore, it is the traveler who ages less. In contrast, the Earth-bound twin does not experience this acceleration and thus ages normally according to the time on Earth.
When we focus solely on the inertial frames involved, disregarding the periods of acceleration, we can use time dilation to determine that the earthbound observer will see the traveling twin's clock as running slower. This discrepancy in time experienced by both twins is what leads to the Earth-bound twin aging faster. The resolution does not involve both twins aging at the same rate, the traveling twin aging faster, or time standing still for both twins. Instead, it demonstrates that the traveling twin ages less while understanding that special relativity does not handle non-inertial (accelerating) frames directly. It requires a more general approach, provided by General Relativity, to fully describe the aspects of acceleration and gravity involved.