Does Time Reversal Symmetry Apply to All Interactions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of time-reversal symmetry in particle interactions, specifically focusing on electrons and positrons. It asserts that while two electrons repel each other, reversing time would suggest they attract, which raises questions about the behavior of antimatter. The conversation highlights that if antimatter represents matter moving backward in time, then two positrons would attract, contradicting the principle that like charges repel. This leads to the conclusion that time-reversal symmetry may not universally apply to all interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic particle physics concepts, including electrons and positrons.
  • Familiarity with the principles of time-reversal symmetry.
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic interactions and charge behavior.
  • Basic grasp of momentum and its role in particle dynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of time-reversal symmetry in quantum mechanics.
  • Study the properties and behaviors of antimatter, particularly positrons.
  • Explore the laws of electromagnetism, focusing on charge interactions.
  • Investigate advanced particle physics theories that address time-reversal anomalies.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of particle physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental laws governing particle interactions and time symmetry.

FizX
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Ok, so if you have two electrons near one another, they will start to repel one another and separate as time goes on. Now if you reverse time, they will move towards one another. But it is said that antimatter can be viewed as matter going backwards through time. Now if this is true, this would mean that two positrons would attract one another, which contradicts the law that like charges repel. Does the time-reversal not apply to all interactions?
 
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FizX said:
Ok, so if you have two electrons near one another, they will start to repel one another and separate as time goes on. Now if you reverse time, they will move towards one another. But it is said that antimatter can be viewed as matter going backwards through time. Now if this is true, this would mean that two positrons would attract one another, which contradicts the law that like charges repel. Does the time-reversal not apply to all interactions?

Remember that momentum gets reversed as well. Picture the two electrons initially far away and moving toward each other. Then they slow down, stop for an instant, and end up moving away from each other.

Film this, run the film in reverse and you will see exactly the same thing.

Regards,
James Baugh
 
oh yeah! wow i can't believe i forgot about that, thanks a lot.
 

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