We cannot remember tomorrow. Scientists do not know why this is true.
At the University of Surrey, physicists Thomas Guff, Chintalpati Umashankar Shastry, and Andrea Rocco studied time. They wanted to understand how time works in the universe.
They found that time can go forwards and backwards in quantum mechanics. But they learned important things that might help explain why we remember the past.
In physics, time usually seems equal for the past and the future. For example, we never see an egg uncrack. But many physics laws do not care about the direction of time.
Other scientists have looked at how the universe expands from low to high energy. They also wonder about particle behavior. So far, no clear answer exists for why time feels one way.
Guff, Shastry, and Rocco used special math to study particles in a hot container. Their work showed that there is no strong preference for going forwards or backwards in time.
This research was published in Scientific Reports.
Vocabulary List:
- Quantum /ˈkwɒn.təm/ (adjective): Relating to the smallest possible discrete unit of any physical property.
- Mechanics /məˈkænɪks/ (noun): The branch of physics that deals with the motion and behavior of objects.
- Preference /ˈprɛf.ə.rəns/ (noun): A greater liking for one alternative over another or others.
- Expand /ɪkˈspænd/ (verb): To increase in size number or importance.
- Container /kənˈteɪ.nər/ (noun): An object that can hold or transport something.
- Research /ˈriː.sɜːrtʃ/ (noun): The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
How much do you know?
