Yes, it is possible to explain the concept of time in physics without explicitly referring to clocks. In physics, time is often described as a fundamental dimension that allows us to order events and quantify their duration. While clocks are commonly used as practical devices to measure time, the underlying concept of time can be understood independently of them.
In physics, time is often associated with the notion of change or the progression of events. Here are a few ways time can be explained in terms of physics without relying on clocks:
Relativity: In the theory of relativity, time is considered as the fourth dimension along with the three spatial dimensions. According to special relativity, the passage of time is relative to an observer's motion and is interconnected with the spatial dimensions in what is known as the spacetime fabric. The geometry of spacetime and the relative motion between observers determine the measurement of time intervals.
Causality and Dynamics: Time is intimately connected to the concept of causality in physics. Events are ordered in time based on cause-and-effect relationships. The behavior of physical systems is described by dynamical laws that relate the state of a system at one time to its state at a later time. These laws allow us to predict how physical quantities change with time and determine the evolution of systems.
Thermodynamics: Time plays a crucial role in the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the entropy of an isolated system tends to increase over time. The arrow of time is associated with the irreversibility of certain processes, such as the mixing of gases or the cooling of hot objects. While clocks can be used to measure the passage of time, the concept of time in thermodynamics can be understood in terms of the directionality of processes and the increase of entropy.
These are just a few examples of how time can be discussed in physics without explicitly mentioning clocks. The fundamental nature of time and its relation to other physical quantities is a complex topic that continues to be explored and studied by physicists.