Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking -Conceptual Question

In summary, Spontaneous symmetry breaking is a phenomenon in physics where a system that appears symmetrical at the microscopic level exhibits a symmetry-breaking behavior at the macroscopic level. This occurs when a system is in a state of unstable equilibrium, where small fluctuations can cause the system to shift towards a more stable state. Examples include magnetization in ferromagnets and the Higgs mechanism in particle physics. It is important in understanding patterns and structures in nature, phase transitions in materials, and the behavior of particles and forces in the universe. It is also closely related to the Higgs mechanism and the discovery of the Higgs boson provided evidence for its occurrence in the universe.
  • #1
BWV
1,465
1,781
what is the relationship between unstable equilibria and spontaneous symmetry breaking?

Would this qualify as an example of spontaneous symmetry breaking?
Take a (perfectly round and unlabeled) pencil standing upright on its eraser so there is a U(1) symmetry on its original position which is spontaneously broken when the system is disturbed and the pencil falls over to point at some angle on a circle around its original position?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That is an example of spontaneous symmetry breaking, right.

An unstable equilibrium could be somewhere without symmetry.
 
  • #3
Ok, thanks.
 

1. What is spontaneous symmetry breaking?

Spontaneous symmetry breaking is a phenomenon in physics where a system that appears symmetrical at the microscopic level exhibits a symmetry-breaking behavior at the macroscopic level. This means that the underlying laws of the system are symmetrical, but the final state or outcome of the system is not.

2. How does spontaneous symmetry breaking occur?

This occurs when a system is in a state of unstable equilibrium, where small fluctuations can cause the system to shift towards a more stable state. These fluctuations can break the symmetry of the system and lead to a final state that is not symmetrical.

3. What are some examples of spontaneous symmetry breaking?

Some examples include magnetization in ferromagnets, where the individual spins are symmetrical, but the overall magnetization direction is not. Another example is the Higgs mechanism in particle physics, where the underlying laws of the universe are symmetrical, but the particles and forces in the universe are not.

4. Why is spontaneous symmetry breaking important?

Spontaneous symmetry breaking is important because it can explain the emergence of patterns and structures in nature. It also helps us understand phase transitions in materials and the behavior of particles and forces in the universe. Additionally, it has practical applications in technology, such as in the development of superconductors.

5. How is spontaneous symmetry breaking related to the Higgs boson?

The Higgs mechanism, which explains the origin of mass in particles, is closely related to spontaneous symmetry breaking. The Higgs boson is a particle that is associated with this mechanism and its discovery in 2012 provided evidence for the spontaneous breaking of symmetry in the universe.

Similar threads

A classical example of spontaneous symmetry breaking
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Spontaneous symmetry breaking of chiral symmetry
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
2K
Spontaneous Symmetry breaking,phase factor
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
Spontaneous symmetry breaking in the standard model
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
B What you think of Scale Symmetry?
    • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
2
Views
3K
Does the uncertainty principle break symmetry?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
3K
B What was matter like during the GUT and Electroweak Epochs?
    • Cosmology
Replies
17
Views
2K
Spontaneous symmetry breaking, Higgs mech, and particles getting masses?
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
8
Views
5K
Question on Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in QFT Final
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
12
Views
4K
Spontaneous Symmetry breaking-weinberg's chair
    • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top