Electromagnetism is Time Reversible and the Magnetic Field is a Dynamical Condition

Citation

Maskara, Nishad (2019) Electromagnetism is Time Reversible and the Magnetic Field is a Dynamical Condition. Other, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/XG0K-D023. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09192019-124144452

Abstract

Electromagnetism is Time Reversible and the Magnetic Field is a Dynamical Condition Examining the symmetries under which physical theories are invariant has been a particularly important part of physics in the 20th century. All of the fundamental forces of nature ( gravitation, electromagnetism, the weak force, and the strong force ) are normally considered to be time reversible, symmetric with respect to the forward and backward directions in time. These theories are time reversible in the sense that there exists a transformation under which the laws are invariant which includes a reversal of time. This is controversial, and proposals by people like Albert suggest that a time reversible theory should allow a straightforward reversal of time without additional transformations. They argue that theories beyond Newtonian mechanics, such as classical electromagnetism, are not time reversible in this sense, and provide reasons why. In this essay, I will present a counterargument, showing that even within the scheme outlined by Albert, classical electromagnetism is time reversal invariant.

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