Is Change Possible Without Time and Vice Versa?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the intricate relationship between change and time, asserting that change cannot occur without time, as change is defined as a difference in states over time. Classical physics supports this view, while quantum mechanics introduces complexities, such as instantaneous state changes during measurements, which challenge the notion of time as a fundamental aspect. Time dilation, particularly in relativistic contexts, affects the perception of change, as seen in scenarios involving high-speed travel or strong gravitational fields. Ultimately, the consensus is that while time and change are deeply intertwined, the definitions and implications of both concepts may vary across different physical theories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics and the concept of time as a linear progression.
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics, particularly the Schrödinger equation and state superposition.
  • Knowledge of relativistic effects, including time dilation and its implications on aging and decay.
  • Basic grasp of philosophical implications of time and change in physics, including theories like string theory.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of time dilation in special relativity and its effects on aging and decay rates.
  • Study the Schrödinger equation and its role in quantum state evolution and instantaneous transitions.
  • Investigate philosophical perspectives on time, including works by Julian Barbour and Lee Smolin.
  • Examine the mathematical definition of change through differentiation and its applications in physics.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, philosophers of science, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of time and change in both classical and modern physics.

  • #31
muppet said:
It describes some serious medical complications and a mother to whom you should be very, very grateful... :biggrin:

Not really. Put it this way. Let's say you fell and skinned your knee. The tissues there are damaged and torn open. The next few weeks are spent by the surrounding tissues healing and repairing the torn tissue Once that tissue has been restored, it is much younger tissue than the surrounding tissue. So here the time reference for the new tissue is different from the timeframe/reference of the old, surrounding tissue. But, I doubt there is a "time dilation".

Time dilation refers to the old spaceship parked beside a black hole with a video camera trained on a clock in the space ship. There is also a monitor showing a clock on earth. The clock in the spaceship by the black hole is not moving where as the monitor shows the clock on Earth moving, somewhat rapidly, in relation to clock on the rocket ship.

What is it about gravity that does this to our sense of time/change?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
baywax said:
What is it about gravity that does this to our sense of time/change?
I can give you a brief answer to this question, but your other questions regarding time dilation and tissue damage :rolleyes: should probably be asked in a new thread in the relativity forum.

Gravity is acceleration. Experiments producing differential time accumulations (differential 'aging') suggest that acceleration increases the periods of oscillators (thus decreasing the accumulation of oscillations, or slowing the aging process). The physical mechanism wrt how this happens is unknown.
 
  • #33
ThomasT said:
I can give you a brief answer to this question, but your other questions regarding time dilation and tissue damage :rolleyes: should probably be asked in a new thread in the relativity forum.

Gravity is acceleration. Experiments producing differential time accumulations (differential 'aging') suggest that acceleration increases the periods of oscillators (thus decreasing the accumulation of oscillations, or slowing the aging process). The physical mechanism wrt how this happens is unknown.

So this is why approaching and going the speed of light apparently causes the same effect... acceleration?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad SR-time dilation vs GR-time dilation on rotating Earth
  • · Replies 79 ·
3
Replies
79
Views
5K
Undergrad Is time dilation a real effect?
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
4K
Undergrad Time dilation for two observers in relative motion
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad What Experiments Demonstrate Time Dilation?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
High School Calculating Time taken to reach speed with Time Dilation
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
High School Difference between special relativity and redshift?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Is Time Dilation About Particle Motion Rather Than Time Itself?
  • · Replies 53 ·
2
Replies
53
Views
5K
Undergrad Sabine Hossenfelder says time dilation is due to acceleration
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
5K
Undergrad Time dilation vs Differential aging vs Redshift
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
High School Time Dilation & Bosons: Decay Rate Changes?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K