Retrothermodynamics (Physics)

The hypothetical physics of heat, energy, and work operating in reverse temporal direction. In retrothermodynamics, heat would flow spontaneously from cold objects to hot ones, friction would accelerate objects instead of slowing them down, and engines would run by absorbing exhaust fumes and fuel while outputting work and air. It's what you'd get if you took a video of normal thermodynamic processes and played it backward—a universe where every energy transaction is perfectly reversed, and the arrow of thermal time points the other way.

Retrothermodynamics (Physics) Example: "The movie scene where a character's breath unfreezes and returns to their mouth is a charming moment of cinematic retrothermodynamics."

by Dumu The Void March 11, 2026

Retromechanics (Physics)

A speculative branch of physics concerned with mechanical systems operating under time-reversed conditions. If you could reverse time, Newton's laws would still hold (they're time-symmetric), but every collision, every trajectory, every mechanical interaction would play out backward. Retromechanics describes this reversed world: balls un-bouncing, pendums unsweeping, planets un-orbiting. It's a useful thought experiment for understanding why the Second Law of Thermodynamics (which isn't time-symmetric) gives time its direction, even though the underlying mechanics don't care which way the clock runs.

Retromechanics (Physics) Example: "The simulation showed planets orbiting backward, demonstrating retromechanics—gravity doesn't care about time's direction, even though everything else does."

by Dumu The Void March 11, 2026

Anti-Physics

A broad term for any proposed physical framework that would systematically oppose or invert the known laws of physics. Unlike specific branches like anti-gravity (which opposes one force), anti-physics imagines wholesale replacement of physical law: anti-matter behaving opposite to matter in every way (not just charge), anti-entropy being the default, anti-inertia governing motion. It's the physics of mirror universes, of worlds where up is down, attraction is repulsion, and every "law" we depend on is systematically violated.

Example: "The novel's alternate dimension operated on anti-physics—light bent away from massive objects, friction accelerated things, and nothing made sense by our standards."

by Dumu The Void March 11, 2026

Negative Physics

A conceptual framework for describing physical quantities that can take on negative values in meaningful ways, beyond just mathematical convenience. Negative energy densities (predicted by quantum field theory), negative temperatures (achieved in laser systems), negative pressure (driving cosmic inflation), and negative mass (hypothetical) all fall under negative physics. It's the study of the physical regimes where our intuitive sense that "more" means "bigger positive number" breaks down, and the universe reveals stranger possibilities.

Example: "The Casimir effect proves negative energy densities are real—a genuine phenomenon of negative physics where empty space has less than zero energy between two plates."

by Dumu The Void March 11, 2026

Clown Physics

Whenever something erradic happens in the binding of isaac, that defies the normal gameplay physics. A term coined by Sinvicta, to excuse his lack of skill.

That sprite getting jostled by my shot is a great example of this game's ridiculous clown physics

by NonStopMunchies May 14, 2025

Freaky Physics

A lesson of Physics with Freaky Skim.

Skim Gooned in Freaky Physics.

by Sir Tom the mike September 3, 2025

AI physique

Your AI physique is your potential physique after ai takes your job and you finally have more time to spend focusing on the gym instead of working that dreadful job you worked so hard to get and cared for much about.

But hey! Now you have more time to build that AI physique!

Your AI physique looks great! All that time off of work payed off huh?

by Painthands1 November 14, 2025