Time Confirmed: Arrow of Time for Particles

In summary, the "Arrow of Time" for particles is the observed phenomenon that particles in our universe tend to move from the past to the future, and is often associated with the concept of entropy. This has been confirmed through various experimental observations and theoretical models, including the Second Law of Thermodynamics and the asymmetry of particle interactions. While there is currently no evidence to suggest that the Arrow of Time is different for different types of particles, some theories propose that it may not be applicable at the quantum level. While there are some proposed scenarios where time reversal may occur, they have not been experimentally confirmed. Additionally, the concept of time dilation, which is related to the movement of particles, does not necessarily contradict the Arrow of Time as it
  • #1
Quantumental
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So there's some potentially quite interesting news circulating:

http://blogs.nature.com/news/2012/11/particle-physicists-confirm-arrow-of-time-for-b-mesons.html

and

http://physics.aps.org/articles/v5/129

So if the arrow of time has been confirmed for these particles doesn't this have some consequences on for instance retrocausal models of QM?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I would assume that the TCP theorem still holds, and that reversibility is still possible.
 

Related to Time Confirmed: Arrow of Time for Particles

1. What is the "Arrow of Time" for particles?

The "Arrow of Time" for particles refers to the observed phenomenon that particles in our universe tend to move in a specific direction in time. This direction is from the past to the future and is often associated with the concept of entropy, where systems tend to increase in disorder over time.

2. How is the Arrow of Time confirmed for particles?

The Arrow of Time for particles has been confirmed through various experimental observations and theoretical models. These include the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of a closed system will increase over time, and the asymmetry of certain particle interactions, such as the decay of particles.

3. Is the Arrow of Time the same for all particles?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that the Arrow of Time is different for different types of particles. However, some theories, such as the Wheeler-DeWitt equation, propose that the Arrow of Time may not be applicable at the quantum level.

4. Can the Arrow of Time be reversed for particles?

While the direction of the Arrow of Time for particles is typically from the past to the future, there have been some proposed scenarios, such as the "twin paradox," where time reversal may occur. However, these are still theoretical and have not been experimentally confirmed.

5. How does the Arrow of Time for particles relate to the concept of time dilation?

Time dilation, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity, occurs when time appears to pass more slowly for an object traveling at high speeds. This concept is related to the Arrow of Time as it suggests that the movement of particles can affect the perceived passage of time. However, time dilation does not necessarily contradict the Arrow of Time, as it is still observed to move in a specific direction over time.

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