Are time machines possible? (serious)

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of time machines and whether modern physics allows for them. The mentor notes that there are previous discussions on this topic, and the conversation concludes with a mention of causality and a recommendation to search for more information.
  • #1
sumana
3
0
Hello.

I have read a little about time machines and going back in time, and whether that is considered possible according to modern physics.

[mentor's note - some additional text not relevant to the physical question has been removed]
 
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  • #2
sumana said:
Are time machines possible?
No.
 
  • #3
Thanks. That's what I thought.

Can I ask which particular law of Physics prohibits it?
 
  • #4
sumana said:
Thanks. That's what I thought.

Can I ask which particular law of Physics prohibits it?
Basically, it just causality. There are MANY threads on this forum about "time machines" so a forum search would likely give you some good discussion. A good place to start is the set of links at the bottom of this thread.
 
  • #5
Thanks.
 
  • #6
What phinds said.
Thread closed.
 

1. Can we travel to the past using a time machine?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence or technology that supports the possibility of traveling to the past using a time machine. The laws of physics, specifically the second law of thermodynamics, suggest that time travel to the past may not be possible. However, some theories, such as the concept of wormholes, propose the idea of time travel to the past, but it is still purely theoretical and has not been proven.

2. Is it possible to build a time machine?

As of now, building a time machine is not possible with our current technology. The concept of time travel is still in the realm of science fiction, and there are many scientific and technological challenges that need to be overcome before a time machine can be built. Scientists are constantly studying and researching the possibilities, but it may take many years, or even centuries, before a functional time machine can be created.

3. What are the main obstacles in creating a time machine?

One of the biggest obstacles in creating a time machine is the violation of the laws of physics. As mentioned before, the second law of thermodynamics suggests that traveling to the past may not be possible. Additionally, there are many technical challenges such as creating a stable and controllable wormhole, finding a source of infinite energy, and dealing with the paradoxes that may arise from time travel.

4. Are there any scientific theories that support the possibility of time machines?

There are some theories, such as Einstein's theory of relativity and the concept of wormholes, that suggest the possibility of time travel. However, these theories are still in the realm of speculation and have not been proven through experimentation. More research and studies are needed to determine the validity of these theories and their potential for creating time machines.

5. Will we ever be able to travel to the future using a time machine?

Traveling to the future using a time machine is a more plausible idea than traveling to the past. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time dilation can occur when an object moves at high speeds, causing time to pass slower for that object. This means that theoretically, if we could travel at extremely high speeds, we could potentially travel to the future. However, this would require technology and resources that are currently beyond our reach.

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