Does Time Reversal Symmetry Apply to All Interactions?

In summary, two electrons near each other will repel and separate as time goes on. However, if time is reversed, they will move towards each other. Antimatter can be seen as matter going backwards through time, meaning two positrons would attract each other, contradicting the law of like charges repelling. However, this is because momentum also gets reversed. If we picture the two electrons initially far away and moving towards each other, reversing time would show them slowing down, stopping, and then moving away from each other. This concept applies to all interactions, even with antimatter.
  • #1
FizX
9
0
Ok, so if you have two electrons near one another, they will start to repel one another and separate as time goes on. Now if you reverse time, they will move towards one another. But it is said that antimatter can be viewed as matter going backwards through time. Now if this is true, this would mean that two positrons would attract one another, which contradicts the law that like charges repel. Does the time-reversal not apply to all interactions?
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #2
FizX said:
Ok, so if you have two electrons near one another, they will start to repel one another and separate as time goes on. Now if you reverse time, they will move towards one another. But it is said that antimatter can be viewed as matter going backwards through time. Now if this is true, this would mean that two positrons would attract one another, which contradicts the law that like charges repel. Does the time-reversal not apply to all interactions?

Remember that momentum gets reversed as well. Picture the two electrons initially far away and moving toward each other. Then they slow down, stop for an instant, and end up moving away from each other.

Film this, run the film in reverse and you will see exactly the same thing.

Regards,
James Baugh
 
  • #3
oh yeah! wow i can't believe i forgot about that, thanks alot.
 

FAQ: Does Time Reversal Symmetry Apply to All Interactions?

What is Time Reversal Symmetry (TRS)?

Time Reversal Symmetry is a fundamental principle in physics that states the laws of nature remain the same regardless of the direction of time. In other words, if time were to run backwards, the physical processes and phenomena would still occur in the same way.

Why is TRS important in physics?

TRS is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of physical systems. It allows us to make accurate predictions about the past and future based on our understanding of the laws of nature.

Is TRS always true?

No, TRS is not always true. It is a fundamental symmetry that is present in most physical systems, but there are some exceptions. For example, certain subatomic particles have been observed to violate TRS, but these violations are very rare and only occur under specific conditions.

How is TRS related to other symmetries in physics?

TRS is related to other symmetries in physics, such as spatial symmetry and gauge symmetry. Together, these symmetries help us understand the fundamental laws of nature and how they govern the behavior of the universe.

What are some real-world applications of TRS?

TRS has many practical applications, such as in the development of technologies like MRI machines that use magnetic fields to produce images of the human body. TRS is also important in fields like quantum computing and particle physics, where understanding the fundamental symmetries of nature is crucial for making progress in research and development.

Similar threads

I Is the CPT-Symmetric Universe Theory the Key to Solving the Antimatter Mystery?
Replies
1
Views
2K
A Does CPT Symmetry Apply to a Mirror World with Reversed Properties?
Replies
5
Views
1K
I Time reversal symmetry in physics
Replies
11
Views
3K
Time-symmetry in electromagnetism: a simple puzzle
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Time Reversal Symmetry in Classical Physics
Replies
11
Views
2K
I Is Quantum Mechanics Truly Time-Reversal Symmetric?
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Does mass conservation correspond to a pseudo-symmetry?
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Are all processes CPT symmetric like measurement, stimulated emission?
Replies
8
Views
1K
I Could the Lorentz symmetry be theoretically broken in vacuum?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Action of the time reversal operator on the QM wave equation
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top