Energy and proper time (not relativity)

[dapias09]

Hi guys,

In a scientific paper, I have found the following sentence:

"...given the fact that the system is homogeneous in energy, or equivalently, that it has no proper time scale."

I'm not sure about what the authors intend to say (what is the relation between being homogeneous in energy and having (or not) a proper time scale). I know the relationship of energy and time as conjugate variables in the formalism of quantum mechanics but this paper is about linear thermodynamics.

Perhaps you interpret this better than me.

Thanks in advance

 

[UltrafastPED]

The "homogeneous energy" state means that the energy is the same everywhere. In that case the system is static - there is no natural change to the system, and hence time is not meaningful.

Think of a can full of warm air at the same temperature as the ambient air. About the only action left is diffusion.

 

[dapias09]

Thank you @UltrafastPED, would one example about a proper-time scale be the average time of reaching the thermal equilibrium?

 

[UltrafastPED]

I'd have to read the paper to see what the author had in mind ... but that seems reasonable.

That is, your system requires some dynamics.

 

[sardar]

As a scientist, it is important to carefully analyze and understand the content of scientific papers. In this case, the authors are discussing a system that is homogeneous in energy, meaning that the energy is evenly distributed throughout the system. This is a common assumption in linear thermodynamics, where the focus is on the overall energy of a system rather than the specific details of its constituents.

The authors also mention that this homogeneity in energy is equivalent to having no proper time scale. In this context, proper time refers to the time experienced by an observer within the system. This statement suggests that the system does not have a preferred or unique time scale, meaning that all observers within the system would experience time in the same way. This is often the case in thermodynamic systems, where time is not a significant factor and all observers would perceive the same rate of time passing.

In summary, the authors are highlighting the relationship between energy and time in a homogeneous system, where the distribution of energy has a direct impact on the perception of time for observers within the system. I hope this helps clarify the concept for you.