English

Macroscopic arrow of time from multiscale perspectives

Statistical Mechanics 2024-12-06 v1 High Energy Physics - Theory Chaotic Dynamics Fluid Dynamics Plasma Physics

Abstract

Fundamental laws of physics are symmetric under time reversal (TT) symmetry, but the TT symmetry is strongly broken in the macroscopic world. In this Perspective, I review TT symmetry breaking frameworks: \textit{second law of thermodynamics, multiscale energy transfer}, and \textit{open systems}. In driven dissipative nonequilibrium systems, including turbulence, the multiscale energy flux from large scales to small scales helps determine the arrow of time. In addition, open systems are often irreversible due to particle and energy exchanges between the system and the environment. Causality is another important factor that breaks the TT symmetry.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2412.03890,
  title  = {Macroscopic arrow of time from multiscale perspectives},
  author = {Mahendra K. Verma},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2412.03890},
  year   = {2024}
}

Comments

To appear in EPL as a Perspective article

R2 v1 2026-06-28T20:23:48.080Z