Energy and proper time (not relativity)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between a homogeneous energy state in a system and the concept of proper time scale, particularly in the context of linear thermodynamics. Participants explore the implications of these concepts and seek clarification on their interrelation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that a "homogeneous energy" state implies uniform energy distribution, suggesting that such a system is static and lacks meaningful time progression.
  • Another participant proposes that a proper-time scale could relate to the average time taken to reach thermal equilibrium, indicating a need for dynamics in the system.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the authors' intentions in the paper, highlighting the complexity of relating energy and proper time in the context of linear thermodynamics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the relationship between homogeneous energy and proper time scale, with no consensus reached on the authors' intended meaning.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the authors' definitions and assumptions regarding energy homogeneity and proper time, as well as the need for further context from the original paper.

dapias09
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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
 
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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.
 
Thank you @UltrafastPED, would one example about a proper-time scale be the average time of reaching the thermal equilibrium?
 
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.
 

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