Respecting Time Symmetry when programming

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of preserving time symmetry in programming simulations, particularly in the context of physics. Participants explore the implications of time symmetry, mathematical frameworks, and the challenges faced in programming simulations that accurately reflect physical principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks resources to learn how to program simulations that maintain time symmetry, referencing a specific website with impressive examples.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of preserving time symmetry in this context.
  • A third participant mentions Noether's Theorem and its relation to symmetry and conservation laws, suggesting that it is possible to simulate these concepts in programming.
  • Concerns are raised about the limitations of existing code snippets, which do not differentiate between various energies or particles.
  • One participant expresses frustration with their mathematical understanding and the lack of support for their unique projects in educational settings.
  • There is a debate about the relationship between mathematics and the conservation of energy, with differing views on whether mathematics can influence physical attributes.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the feasibility of simulating concepts like wormholes mathematically.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and opinion regarding the relationship between mathematics and physical concepts like time symmetry and conservation of energy. There is no consensus on how to effectively implement these ideas in programming or whether the existing mathematical frameworks are sufficient.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate a lack of clarity regarding the definitions and implications of time symmetry and conservation of energy, as well as the mathematical requirements for programming simulations that respect these principles.

ScrollPortals
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Where can I learn to break the habit of using time steps and instead use mathematical frameworks to preserve time symmetry when programming simulations?
I recently visited a site ( bugman123.com ). He's got a lot of STEM experience. He's written simulations and programs for a lot of things. What immediately sticks out to me is how smooth his simulations look. In particular, his physics simulation of a particle smashing into a wall of particles and how all the light refracts properly. http://bugman123.com/Physics/index.html
Where can I learn to program like that?
 
Technology news on Phys.org
Thanks for the link to those programs and animations. They were very interesting!

Can I ask what preserving time symmetry means here?
 
Noether's Theorem and the Motion of Creation

Symmetry and conservation laws: Noether's contribution to physics - Uhlenbeck

These videos will be the best at explaining. But it's basically math that preserves the conservation of energy.
The conservation of energy isn't just a property of the universe. We can also simulate it.

So I think it's possible to do these things in a computer program with actual objects. I've got a "chaos theory". I just don't know if the math works and would respect time symmetry.

I need worm holes too. I'm not sure if they're possible mathematically.
 
Do you have any programming experience?
 
Yes, I do. 8 years.
I just don't know the concepts of math well enough. Damn shame, I know.
Frustrates the hell out of me because teachers didn't really get behind my unique projects.
I am sure there are a lot of people here with a burning resentment like that. Soul crushing.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Have you looked at some of the code snippets listed on the site?
 
The systems with code snippets have no contrast between two different energies or particles. They're all just 1 definition for 1 particle or field or material. I'm also not good at math, and that's a language on top of programming. Calculus does a lot of tricks I just won't understand unless they are commented out.
'the one with balls uses a time step
 
ScrollPortals said:
Yes, I do. 8 years.
I just don't know the concepts of math well enough. Damn shame, I know.
Frustrates the hell out of me because teachers didn't really get behind my unique projects.
I am sure there are a lot of people here with a burning resentment like that. Soul crushing.
Without knowing what your unique projects were, it's hard to sympathize.
ScrollPortals said:
But it's basically math that preserves the conservation of energy.
No. Conservation of energy is an attribute we observe. Mathematics has nothing to do with energy being conserved.

ScrollPortals said:
I just don't know if the math works and would respect time symmetry.
The phrase "time symmetry" is usually referred to as "cyclical" or "periodic." I don't know what you mean by "would respect time symmetry."

ScrollPortals said:
I need worm holes too. I'm not sure if they're possible mathematically.
You're putting much more faith in the "abilities" of mathematics than are warranted.
 
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ScrollPortals said:
The systems with code snippets have no contrast between two different energies or particles. They're all just 1 definition for 1 particle or field or material. I'm also not good at math, and that's a language on top of programming. Calculus does a lot of tricks I just won't understand unless they are commented out.
'the one with balls uses a time step

I see. Well, I don't think I can help you. I'd be interested in learning more myself though.
 

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