Parity of theta term of Lagrangian

In summary, the conversation discusses the parity of the theta term in the Lagrangian and how it affects the overall parity of the Lagrangian. It is noted that the SU(2) of electroweak interactions break parity maximally and do not include interactions with right-handed particles. The topic is suggested to be moved to "High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics" and the reasoning behind the P-odd quantity is discussed. The Vafa-Witten mechanism is also mentioned as a possible explanation for the theta term being equal to zero.
  • #1
illuminates
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I have a very simple question. Let's consider the theta term of Lagrangian:
$$L = \theta \frac{g^2}{32 \pi^2} G_{\mu \nu}^a \tilde{G}^{a, \mu \nu}$$
Investigate parity of this term:
$$P(G_{\mu \nu}^a)=+G_{\mu \nu}^a$$
$$P( \tilde{G}^{a, \mu \nu} ) =-G_{\mu \nu}^a$$
It is obvious. But what about ##\theta##? If ##\theta## is simple number then
$$P(\theta)=\theta$$
And in such case we have:
$$P(L)=-L$$
So Lagrangian is P-odd quantity. Is it normal? Is in physics P-odd Lagrangians somewhere else? What about week interaction? Is week interaction conserve parity of Lagrangian?
 
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  • #2
it seems the topic is needed to shift in "High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics".
 
  • #3
illuminates said:
it seems the topic is needed to shift in "High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics".

Thread has been moved.
 
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  • #4
The SU(2) of electroweak interactions break parity maximally as it is a V-A type interaction. It does not include interactions with right-handed particles.
 
  • #5
Orodruin said:
The SU(2) of electroweak interactions break parity maximally as it is a V-A type interaction. It does not include interactions with right-handed particles.
Thank you for replying. Would you say my reasoning above is true?
 
  • #6
illuminates said:
So Lagrangian is P-odd quantity. Is it normal?

By the way, this parity behaviour of the theta-term is the basis for the Vafa-Witten mechanism, supposed to explain that classically ##\theta = 0##. See Vafa-Witten 84.
 

1. What is the parity of the theta term in the Lagrangian?

The parity of the theta term in the Lagrangian is defined as the transformation of the term under spatial inversion. This means that if the spatial coordinates are reversed, the theta term will either remain unchanged (even parity) or change sign (odd parity).

2. Why is the parity of the theta term important?

The parity of the theta term is important in understanding the symmetries of a physical system. It can also affect the behavior of particles and their interactions, and has implications for quantum field theory and particle physics.

3. How is the parity of the theta term determined?

The parity of the theta term is determined by the quantum numbers of the particles involved in the interaction. These quantum numbers include spin, charge, and isospin, among others. The parity of the theta term can also be calculated using mathematical equations and symmetry principles.

4. What are the possible values for the parity of the theta term?

The parity of the theta term can be either even or odd, depending on the specific physical system and the quantum numbers of the particles involved. In some cases, it may also have a zero value, meaning that the theta term is not present in the Lagrangian at all.

5. How does the parity of the theta term affect physical phenomena?

The parity of the theta term can have a significant impact on physical phenomena, as it can determine the symmetry properties of a system and the behavior of particles within that system. It can also affect the decay rates of particles and the strength of interactions between them.

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