- #1
cragar
- 2,546
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when we talk about degrees of freedom in atoms and molecules should time be a degree of freedom.
Degrees of Freedom: Time an Atom/Molecule Factor?
- Context: Graduate
- Thread starter cragar
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of degrees of freedom in the context of atoms and molecules, specifically questioning whether time should be considered a degree of freedom. The scope includes theoretical considerations and speculative reasoning related to physics and the nature of time.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that time should not be considered a degree of freedom.
- Others argue that time is a dimension through which we move, questioning why it is excluded from being a degree of freedom.
- One participant suggests that time may be restricted in a similar way to spatial dimensions when a particle is constrained to a specific plane.
- Another participant introduces the idea that traveling back in time could imply time as a degree of freedom, referencing the theory of relativity and the effects of relative motion on time perception.
- It is noted that gaining freedom in time may result in a loss of freedom in space, indicating a balance in the total number of degrees of freedom.
- A participant expresses curiosity about the implications of time travel on the concept of degrees of freedom.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally disagree on whether time should be classified as a degree of freedom, with multiple competing views presented throughout the discussion.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes speculative reasoning about time travel and its implications, as well as references to theoretical frameworks like relativity, which may not be fully resolved within the context of degrees of freedom.
- #2
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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cragar said:
Short answer … no.
- #3
quZz
- 123
- 1
Time is in no way a degree of freedom!
- #4
cragar
- 2,546
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why , time is a dimension which we move through so why is it not a degree of freedom.
- #5
DyslexicHobo
- 249
- 0
cragar said:
I'm guessing because it is a restricted dimension. Just as if the particle was constrained to one single plane, the normal axis would no longer be a degree of freedom.
Just a guess, though. I've never actually talked about degrees of freedom in this context.
- #6
cragar
- 2,546
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but I thought traveling back in time was still theoretically possible . And if we bring in theory of relativity if I were to travel faster then object A and then slow down a little bit I would change my time difference to object A and thus be moving forward a little bit then backwards in my time difference thus allowing time as a degree of freedom.
- #7
diazona
Homework Helper
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Gaining freedom in time makes you lose freedom in space, though. The total number of degrees of freedom doesn't change just because you happen to be moving in a particular way.
- #8
cragar
- 2,546
- 3
ok i see , what about traveling back in time.
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