Physics and Astronomy Colloquia - Lawrence Schulman, Clarkson University

Title: "Time: Problems and Arrows"

October 18, 2013
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Wilder 104
Sponsored by
Physics & Astronomy Department
Audience
Public
More information
Tressena Manning
603-646-2854

Abstract: After briefly reviewing some of the physicist's many problems with time, I focus on issues surrounding the "arrow of time," the directionality that dominates much of physics, and indeed almost everything else. By formulating the arrow as a preference for one kind of boundary problem over another, different thermodynamic scenarios are explored. In particular I examine situations in which regions with opposite pointing arrows could mutually survive. Simulations and other methods suggest that there could be observational tests of the presence of such matter. Signalling in a limited sense is also possible.
 

Location
Wilder 104
Sponsored by
Physics & Astronomy Department
Audience
Public
More information
Tressena Manning
603-646-2854