Latest news with #thermodynamics
Sustainability Times
28-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Time Breaks Down at Quantum Scale': New Scientific Discovery Shocks Physicists and Redefines the Laws of the Universe
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Physicists in England discovered two opposing arrows of time in open quantum systems, challenging traditional views. in open quantum systems, challenging traditional views. 🌌 The study suggests time can move in both directions at the quantum level , revealing a symmetrical nature. , revealing a symmetrical nature. ♻️ Entropy continues to increase in both directions of time, prompting a reevaluation of thermodynamic principles. continues to increase in both directions of time, prompting a reevaluation of thermodynamic principles. 🧠 The findings raise profound questions about the nature of reality and time's role within the universe. Time, often perceived as a relentless, forward-moving arrow, is a concept that has intrigued scientists and philosophers alike. While everyday experiences reinforce the notion of time's unidirectional flow, recent research suggests a more nuanced understanding at the quantum level. A groundbreaking study led by physicists in England has revealed the existence of two arrows of time in open quantum systems, challenging traditional views and opening new avenues for exploration in the realms of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. The Enigma of Time's Arrow Time's arrow, a metaphor for its unidirectional flow, is a cornerstone of our understanding of the universe. Yet, this seemingly straightforward concept has baffled physicists who seek to understand why time flows only in one direction. In classical physics, equations often ignore the directionality of time. For example, a pendulum's motion appears identical whether viewed forwards or backwards. However, in reality, time's arrow is clearly asymmetrical, moving from past to future. This dichotomy raises fundamental questions about the nature of time and its underlying mechanisms. Over two years, a research team in England delved into this mystery, focusing on open quantum systems—systems that interact with their environment. Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, reveal the existence of two arrows of time moving in opposite directions. This discovery not only challenges our traditional understanding but also suggests that time's behavior at the quantum level is more complex than previously thought. 'This One Sentence Changed Everything': Emotionally Intelligent People Swear by This Powerful Phrase to Command Respect and Build Deep Connections Open Quantum Systems: A New Perspective To unravel the mysteries of time at the quantum level, scientists turned their attention to open quantum systems. Unlike closed systems, which are isolated from external influences, open systems interact with their surroundings, resulting in changes over time. This interaction is key to understanding time's passage at the subatomic level. Energy dissipation, or entropy, serves as a proxy for time's flow. As energy dissipates into the environment, it indicates the direction of time. The research team's model demonstrated that these open systems allow for the emergence of two arrows of time, a phenomenon not observed in closed systems. In their equations, the team observed 'slightly modified' results, suggesting that two trajectories—one moving forward in time and the other backward—are equally possible. This duality presents a radical shift in our perception of time, suggesting a symmetrical nature that defies conventional understanding. 'Britain Just Sent This Beast Into the Sky': UK Unleashes First Combat Drone With 5,750-Mile Strike Range Implications for Thermodynamics and Beyond The study's findings have significant implications for fields such as thermodynamics, cosmology, and quantum mechanics. At the heart of these disciplines is the concept of entropy, described by the second law of thermodynamics as a tendency toward disorder. The team discovered that even with two arrows of time, entropy's progression remains consistent, hurdling toward disorder regardless of time's direction. This revelation challenges the notion of irreversible processes and suggests a more complex relationship between time and entropy. As Andrea Rocco, the study's senior author, explains, the results prompt a reevaluation of assumptions about time's function in the universe. While the study does not confirm speculative ideas about time's origins, such as the emergence of twin universes at the Big Bang, it provides a framework for rethinking these concepts. 'They Found a Goblin in the Rocks': On a Unearths Terrifying Jurassic Lizard Bolg With a Face Straight Out of a Horror Film Rethinking the Nature of Time The discovery of twin arrows of time raises profound questions about our understanding of reality. Although the research does not entertain the idea of time travel or constructing time machines, it highlights the theoretical possibility of two equally valid time trajectories. Once the arrow takes a direction, familiar dynamics like entropy come into play, reinforcing time's irreversible nature. Rocco likens the concept to a network of roads, where the paths are visible, but the traffic direction remains unknown. This metaphor underscores the complexity and intrigue surrounding time's behavior at the quantum level. The study's implications extend beyond academic interest, touching upon fundamental issues about the nature of reality and time's role within it. The exploration of time's duality in open quantum systems offers a fresh perspective on a timeless enigma. By revealing the possibility of two arrows of time, the research invites us to reconsider our assumptions and delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe. What other secrets might time hold, waiting to be uncovered by future scientific inquiry? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (27)
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make groundbreaking discovery that could make drivers' old electric vehicles like new: 'This changes our understanding of fundamental science'
University of Chicago researchers discovered a new type of material that has the potential to restore old EV batteries to perform like new again. The newly developed materials respond uniquely to electricity, heat, and pressure. This scientific breakthrough is changing how scientists think about thermodynamics and offers hope of revolutionizing industries such as construction and electric vehicle manufacturing. As SciTechDaily reported, researchers from the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering collaborated with visiting scientists from the University of California, San Diego, to make the discovery. Their newly developed materials expand under pressure, shrink when heated, and expand when crushed. The materials exhibit zero thermal expansion and negative compressibility properties and expand when other materials shrink. They defy conventional physics expectations, with inverted reactions and a performance that's the exact opposite of existing alternatives. "This changes our understanding of fundamental science," one involved professor, Shirley Meng, said. The research team became excited about the possibility of versatile applications and published their findings in the journal Nature. One of the most promising applications is with EV batteries. One researcher offered a theoretical example of how an electric airplane's walls could also be its battery with a material that can resist heat and pressure. Such an idea would create a lighter and more efficient plane while keeping battery parts safe from temperature and pressure changes despite altitude shifts. The researchers also noted opposite electrochemical energy voltage reactions with their new materials, which have EV battery applications. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. They believe this development could reset aging EV batteries and revive them to their original performance. This means that an EV with an old battery could reach approximately its original range before needing a charge even after many years of being on the road. "You don't have to send the battery back to the manufacturer or to any vendors. You just do this voltage activation," said Minghao Zhang, a co-corresponding author of the work. "Then, your car will be a new car. Your battery will be a new battery." This innovation could tremendously impact the future of EVs and improve their sustainability. Longer-lasting batteries may entice more people to drive EVs, which means less air pollution from exhaust fumes that harm people's lungs and overheat the planet. Scientific developments such as this and those that expand battery lifespans, boost EV range capabilities, and improve safety features are crucial for achieving the broader sustainability goal of clean energy driving. Looking ahead, the researchers who developed the new materials plan to use a form of chemistry that involves losing and gaining electrons to examine the materials further. They want to explore the boundaries of their new materials and how they can be successful in various applications. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
