If the universe were played in reverse, how would it differ?

In summary, the conversation revolves around the concept of the universe playing in reverse, with particles gaining kinetic energy and light retreating back into the sun. The question of whether this would cause any differences in the universe and if anything would not work if time were reversed is posed. However, due to the complexity of the topic, it is suggested to read about the arrow of time and come to one's own conclusion. The conversation ends with the acknowledgement that discussing physics in this scenario may not be productive.
  • #1
TheQuestionGuy14
159
8
What if the universe suddenly started playing in reverse, like playing a recording in reverse. Particles gain kinetic energy from heat and sound energy as they travel the opposite way, light retreats back into the sun etc. Would this universe differ in any way? Does anything not work if time were reversed?
 
Space news on Phys.org
  • #2
You are asking a very complicated question that doesn't have a simple answer. You may wish to read this Wikipedia article about the arrow of time and try to figure out on your own what would happen, considering all the listed approaches and interpretations, if the arrow of time were reversed. I don't know enough to do that for you and it makes my head hurt.
 
  • #3
TheQuestionGuy14 said:
What if the universe suddenly started playing in reverse

Once you invoke magic, there isn't much point in discussing physics.
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman, weirdoguy, phinds and 1 other person
  • #4
Vanadium 50 said:
Once you invoke magic, there isn't much point in discussing physics.
This is a good place to close the thread. :smile:
 

1. How would the laws of physics change if the universe were played in reverse?

If the universe were played in reverse, the fundamental laws of physics would remain the same. However, the direction of time would be reversed, meaning that events would occur in reverse chronological order.

2. Would the concept of entropy still apply in a reversed universe?

Yes, the concept of entropy, which is the measure of disorder in a system, would still apply in a reversed universe. However, the direction of entropy would also be reversed, meaning that the universe would become more ordered over time.

3. How would the expansion of the universe be affected if it were played in reverse?

If the universe were played in reverse, the expansion of the universe would appear to be a contraction. This is because the universe is currently expanding, but in a reversed universe, it would appear to be contracting as all matter and energy move closer together.

4. What would happen to life and consciousness in a reversed universe?

In a reversed universe, life and consciousness would also appear to be moving in reverse. This means that people would age backwards and events would occur in reverse order. It is unclear if consciousness would still exist in this scenario.

5. How would the Big Bang and the formation of the universe be affected in a reversed universe?

In a reversed universe, the Big Bang would appear to be a Big Crunch, with all matter and energy collapsing in on itself. The universe would then appear to shrink into a single point, rather than expanding outward as it did in our universe.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Cosmology
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Cosmology
Replies
11
Views
2K
Back
Top