Clarifying the Misconception: Do Positrons Really Travel Backward in Time?

In summary, this diagram represents a standard electron-positron collision, and although positrons can be interpreted as traveling backwards in time, in reality they are just a different type of particle traveling forward in time. Therefore, this collision cannot be seen as a form of time travel.
  • #1
stevenytc
12
0
[URL]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Feynman_EP_Annihilation.svg[/URL]

this is a standard electron-positron collision. but if positrons can be interpreted as electrons going backward in time (as suggested by Feynman and Wheeler), then can this diagram be interpreted as the electron, originally moving forward in time, releases 2 photons and go backward in time. or, in other words, it "time travels" to the past?

hmm... have i missed out something?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You often see it stated that positrons travel backwards in time, but it's a misinterpretation. The fact is, the Dirac equation describes two different types of particles, positrons and electrons, and they both travel forward in time!
 

FAQ: Clarifying the Misconception: Do Positrons Really Travel Backward in Time?

What is a time traveling electron?

A time traveling electron is a hypothetical particle that can travel through time, either forwards or backwards.

How is time travel possible for an electron?

According to the theory of relativity, time travel is possible for particles moving at close to the speed of light. The faster an electron moves, the slower time passes for it, allowing it to potentially travel through time.

Can we observe a time traveling electron in action?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that time traveling electrons exist. The concept is purely theoretical and has not been observed or proven in any experiments.

What are the implications of time traveling electrons?

If time traveling electrons were to exist, it would challenge our understanding of time and the laws of physics. It could potentially lead to the ability to manipulate time and create paradoxes.

How does the existence of time traveling electrons impact our daily lives?

As there is no evidence to suggest that time traveling electrons exist, their existence has no impact on our daily lives. However, further research into the concept could potentially lead to new discoveries and advancements in science and technology.

Similar threads

I Question about the Feynmann-Stuckelberg interpretation
Replies
2
Views
795
Positrons are electrons traveling backward in time?
Replies
12
Views
5K
Does the act of observing/measuring define an arrow of time?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Could positrons be electrons from the future traveling back in time?
Replies
3
Views
6K
Antimatter from time-traveling electrons
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Photons and Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
Replies
12
Views
2K
Is Time Travel the Key to Understanding Dirac's Equation and Positron Creation?
Replies
2
Views
4K
B Backwards Time Travel: Can We Influence Our Casual Past?
Replies
19
Views
2K
CPT transformation analogue of free electron laser?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Questions concerning Bhabha scattering
Replies
14
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top