Physics and the Arrow of Time

The passage of time from the past to the future constitutes our basic perception of the world. This phenomenon, known as the arrow of time, arises from a fundamental law of physics called the second law of thermodynamics. This law is based on entropy, a concept that quantifies the amount of disorder or randomness in a system, be it a system of atoms and molecules, or galaxies and the cosmos. Once we understand entropy, we will understand reason for the temporal direction of all natural processes. In this short course, we will explore the physics of entropy and its profound relationship with the passage of time.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Understanding entropy and the second law of thermodynamics
• Historical context
• Space and time, and time symmetry
• Entropy and irreversibility
• The Big Bang

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Know the definition of space and time in physics
2. Understand the concept of the arrow of time
3. Understand the concept of entropy, and the second law of thermodynamics
4. Know the reason for a temporal direction in nature