Relation between the arrow of time and entropy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between the arrow of time and entropy, particularly in the context of thermodynamics. Participants examine definitions of time and its connection to physical processes and entropy changes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the arrow of time points in the direction of increasing entropy.
  • There is a proposal that time can be defined as a succession of interactions of matter and energy that generate changes in their initial states, with an emphasis on the increase of entropy.
  • Others challenge the idea that this definition equates time with the arrow of time, suggesting that they are not the same.
  • One participant defines time as what a clock measures, arguing that this is a sufficient definition and expressing confusion over alternative views that complicate the concept of time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of time and its relationship to the arrow of time and entropy. No consensus is reached on whether the proposed definitions adequately capture the concept of time.

Contextual Notes

Some definitions and assumptions about time and entropy remain unresolved, and the discussion reflects varying interpretations of these concepts.

vitorvenancio
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What is the relation of the arrow of time and entropy according to thermodynamics?
 
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The arrow of time points in the direction of increasing entropy
 
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So is it correct to say that a good definition for time can be a succession of interactions of matter and energy, generating changes in their initial states?
 
vitorvenancio said:
... a succession of interactions of matter and energy, generating changes in their initial states?
and that increase the entropy. If they don't increase the entropy they're reversible, and reversible process don't help much with establishing an arrow of time.
 
vitorvenancio said:
So is it correct to say that a good definition for time can be a succession of interactions of matter and energy, generating changes in their initial states?
I don’t think that time is the same as the arrow of time. So no, I would not say that is a good definition.
 
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vitorvenancio said:
a good definition for time

Time is what a clock measures. This definition is good enough.
 
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weirdoguy said:
Time is what a clock measures. This definition is good enough.
For some reason there are people who seem to object to that definition. Some seem to want to go in a mystical woo direction and say that time is an unknowable mystery. Others seem to want to go the opposite way and say some variant of “time is clocks”. The standard definition works well, I don’t get the desire to add unnecessary confusion either direction.
 
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