Time might not exist – and we're starting to understand why
2 days ago
- #time
- #quantum mechanics
- #general relativity
- Time is a profound problem in physics with no consensus on its nature.
- Three definitions of time exist: coordinate time in equations, a dimension in spacetime (Einstein's relativity), and a direction in thermodynamics.
- Quantum mechanics and General Relativity present incompatible views of time, leading to the 'first problem of physical time'.
- The Wheeler-DeWitt equation suggests time might be an illusion by describing the Universe's quantum state without time.
- Quantum gravity theories explore time as emergent, quantized, or part of higher-dimensional spacetime.
- The 'second problem of physical time' involves reconciling time's irreversibility with physics equations that work both forward and backward.
- Quantum entanglement may link to time's perception, with entangled systems acting as clocks that define moments.
- Quantum causality challenges traditional cause-effect order, introducing retrocausality and blurred temporal sequences.
- Gravity's effect on time (General Relativity) complicates quantum superposition of events, potentially allowing backward-in-time causation.
- Time might be multifaceted, combining spacetime dimension, coordinate label, and irreversible arrow, depending on perspective.