Time Reversal Symmetry & Magnetic Field: Charges Explained

In summary: The conversation discusses time reversal symmetry and how it relates to magnetic fields. It is mentioned that a charge moving in a magnetic field will feel the Lorentz force and rotate, breaking the time reversal symmetry. The possibility of another way to break this symmetry in such a situation is also considered. In summary, the conversation delves into the concept of time reversal symmetry and its relationship to magnetic fields.
  • #1
Questionasker
8
0
Talking about charges. If someone claims that in his work time reversal symmetry is conserved, does that equal to say he/she is not imposing a magnetic field?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Time reversal symmetry means that if you had recorded the situation and played the tape backwards things would "make sense" in that you could believe that was what really happened (watching some Brownian motion in reverse would make sense, watching a bowling ball slide back up the lane and then launch itself into your hand doesn't). So how do you think this applies to magnetic fields?
 
  • #3
A charge moving in magnetic field will feel the Lorentz force and rotate. Now if you reverse the velocity at the end of such a process, the charge will not trace the way back so the time reversal symmetry is broken here. I'm just wondering is there another possibility for breaking the time reversal symmetry in such a situation.

JHamm said:
Time reversal symmetry means that if you had recorded the situation and played the tape backwards things would "make sense" in that you could believe that was what really happened (watching some Brownian motion in reverse would make sense, watching a bowling ball slide back up the lane and then launch itself into your hand doesn't). So how do you think this applies to magnetic fields?
 

1. What is time reversal symmetry?

Time reversal symmetry is a fundamental physical principle that states that the laws of physics remain unchanged when the direction of time is reversed. This means that physical processes should behave the same way if time is moving forward or backward.

2. How does magnetic field affect time reversal symmetry?

Magnetic fields can break the time reversal symmetry. This is because they are created by moving electric charges, and the direction of the magnetic field is dependent on the direction of the current flow. Reversing the direction of time would also reverse the direction of the current and thus the direction of the magnetic field.

3. What is the relationship between charge and time reversal symmetry?

Charges play a crucial role in time reversal symmetry. In order for a physical process to be time reversal symmetric, the charges involved must also be symmetric. This means that the charges must behave the same way if time is moving forward or backward.

4. Can time reversal symmetry be violated?

Yes, there are certain physical processes that violate time reversal symmetry. One example is the decay of subatomic particles, which tends to happen more frequently in one direction of time than the other. This violation of time reversal symmetry is known as CP violation.

5. How is time reversal symmetry used in scientific research?

Time reversal symmetry is an important concept in many areas of physics, including particle physics, quantum mechanics, and cosmology. Scientists use this principle to study the behavior of particles and systems in different time frames, which can provide valuable insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Similar threads

  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
963
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
976
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
919
Back
Top