T-symmetry and conservation of energy

In summary, T-symmetry, also known as time symmetry, is the principle that the laws of physics remain the same regardless of the direction of time. It is closely related to the conservation of energy and is exemplified by the motion of a pendulum. While it can be violated in certain situations, it is still a fundamental principle of physics and has important implications for our understanding of the universe.
  • #1
entropy1
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I read that since CPT-symmetry is not broken, and CP-symmetry is, T-symmetry must also be broken, is that correct?

If that is correct, does that mean that energy isn't conserved?
 
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  • #2
Never mind.
 
  • #3
T is not symmetric under reversal but still symmetric homogeneous under translations. So by Noether's theorem, energy is conserved.
 

Related to T-symmetry and conservation of energy

1. What is T-symmetry?

T-symmetry, also known as time symmetry, is the principle that the laws of physics remain the same regardless of the direction of time. This means that the outcome of a physical process should be the same whether it is played forward or backward in time.

2. How does T-symmetry relate to the conservation of energy?

T-symmetry is closely related to the conservation of energy because it implies that energy cannot be created or destroyed. If the laws of physics are the same in both directions of time, then energy must be conserved in all processes.

3. What is an example of T-symmetry in action?

One example of T-symmetry is the motion of a pendulum. The laws of physics governing the motion of a pendulum are the same whether the pendulum is moving forward or backward in time. This means that the pendulum will swing back and forth in a symmetrical pattern, regardless of the direction of time.

4. Can T-symmetry ever be violated?

While T-symmetry is a fundamental principle of physics, it can be violated in certain situations. For example, at the subatomic level, some particles have a property called "CP- violation" which means they do not behave the same way when time is reversed and their charge is also reversed. However, these violations are still governed by the laws of physics and do not disprove T-symmetry.

5. How does T-symmetry affect our understanding of the universe?

T-symmetry is a crucial aspect of our understanding of the universe. It allows us to predict the behavior of physical systems and has led to many important discoveries in physics. Additionally, the concept of T-symmetry has implications for the arrow of time and the nature of causality in our universe.

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