Can Particles Defy Time by Reaching Below Absolute Zero?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of whether particles can defy time by reaching below absolute zero. Participants explore the implications of absolute zero on time and particle behavior, questioning the foundational assumptions of thermodynamics and the nature of time itself.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that at absolute zero, a particle experiences no movement or vibration, leading to the question of whether time ceases to pass for that particle.
  • Another participant counters that time does not stop at absolute zero, referencing the definition of the SI second and the behavior of cesium atoms at that temperature.
  • There is a claim that a particle cannot be brought to absolute zero or below, with some participants emphasizing the implications of the third law of thermodynamics.
  • One participant argues that at absolute zero, particles occupy their ground states but still possess momentum, challenging the notion that time ceases to pass.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of discussing single particles in the context of absolute zero, suggesting that such discussions may not yield useful insights.
  • Several participants assert that the idea of sending a particle back in time is not feasible, with multiple responses categorically denying the possibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express significant disagreement regarding the implications of absolute zero on time and particle behavior. There is no consensus on the foundational assumptions or the feasibility of sending particles back in time.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in defining temperature for single particles and the challenges of discussing theoretical scenarios that step outside established frameworks.

BobbaD
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Could a particle be sent back in time on it's world line? Time is defined by events, but at absolute zero, there is no movement or vibration of a particle - does not time cease to pass then at absolute zero for the particle? If the particle was somehow brought below absolute zero, could it be sent back in time? The working assumption is that a particle cannot be brought to absolute zero or below, but what if we step outside that framework for a moment?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi BobbaD, and welcome to PF!

BobbaD said:
The working assumption is that a particle cannot be brought to absolute zero or below
I assume you mean a thermodynamic system can't reach absolute zero due to the third law of thermodynamics.

BobbaD said:
but what if we step outside that framework for a moment?
For what reason? From falsehood, anything follows...
 
BobbaD said:
but at absolute zero, there is no movement or vibration of a particle

That is not true.

BobbaD said:
does not time cease to pass then at absolute zero for the particle

No.

BobbaD said:
If the particle was somehow brought below absolute zero

It can't.

BobbaD said:
could it be sent back in time?

No.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: davenn
BobbaD said:
does not time cease to pass then at absolute zero for the particle?
No. There is no theory of physics that predicts that time stops at absolute zero. In fact, the SI second is currently defined for cesium atoms at absolute zero, so quite the opposite is true: not only does time not stop at absolute zero, it is actually most accurately measured at absolute zero.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: cnh1995
BobbaD said:
Time is defined by events, but at absolute zero, there is no movement or vibration of a particle

Not true. At absolute zero a system of particles simply occupy their ground states. In a metal, for example, the electrons still have momentum even in their ground states.

Also note that defining the temperature of a single particle is questionable, so trying to ask about what happens at absolute zero for a single particle doesn't really get you anywhere. A low density gas can have plenty of atoms in their ground states even though, as a whole, the gas can be quite hot.

BobbaD said:
Could a particle be sent back in time on it's world line?

No. Absolutely not.

BobbaD said:
Time is defined by events

Not really. Time passes just a well for a lone particle in its ground state as it does for a collection of particles in an explosion.

BobbaD said:
The working assumption is that a particle cannot be brought to absolute zero or below, but what if we step outside that framework for a moment?

Then you leave the realm of useful, predictive knowledge and enter the realm of 'let's make stuff up'.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: nasu, Vanadium 50 and davenn

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K