Velocity-induced time dilation, also known as kinematic time dilation, is a consequence of Einstein's theory of special relativity. The theory introduces the concept that the laws of physics remain the same for all observers moving at constant speeds relative to each other. It postulates that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant and is the maximum achievable speed for any object.
According to special relativity, as an object approaches speeds comparable to the speed of light (299,792,458 meters per second), the flow of time for that object slows down relative to a stationary observer. This means that clocks on a fast-moving object would appear to tick more slowly from the perspective of a stationary observer.
The underlying reason for this effect lies in the principles of spacetime and the constancy of the speed of light. Special relativity suggests that spacetime is a four-dimensional fabric where space and time are interconnected. As an object accelerates and reaches high velocities, it affects both space and time.
When an object moves at a significant fraction of the speed of light, its motion through space affects its motion through time. This effect is often referred to as time dilation. The faster an object moves, the more pronounced the time dilation becomes.
Essentially, as an object's velocity increases, the intervals of time it experiences appear longer compared to an observer who is relatively stationary. This phenomenon has been experimentally verified in various ways, such as using high-speed particle accelerators, satellite clocks, and muon decay experiments.
It's important to note that time dilation due to velocity is relative. Both observers, the one on the moving object and the stationary observer, will perceive time dilation in the other's reference frame. This means that each observer sees the other's clock ticking slower compared to their own.