What Is Lorentz Symmetry? Understanding & Differences

In summary, Lorentz symmetry refers to the idea that the laws of physics are the same regardless of orientation and speed. This means that measurements taken on any physical system will remain consistent even if the device or the system is rotated or boosted. However, this symmetry only applies to objects with constant velocities, and there is still the possibility of discovering a violation of this principle in the future.
  • #1
TheQuestionGuy14
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I'm curious to know what Lorentz symmetry is, and how it works. The wiki description is a bit too difficult for me to understand. And how does it differ from a computer's cubic symmetry? I understand that in cubic symmetry, the laws of physics or physical things look different depending on what direction you are looking at it from, so how does Lorentz symmetry differ?
 
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  • #2
Lorentz symmetry means that the laws of physics are the same regardless of orientation and speed.

In other words, you could take any measurement device and make a measurement on any physical system. Or you could rotate and/or boost the device and the system and get the same measurement.
 
  • #3
Dale said:
Lorentz symmetry means that the laws of physics are the same regardless of orientation and speed.

In other words, you could take any measurement device and make a measurement on any physical system. Or you could rotate and/or boost the device and the system and get the same measurement.
Does everything in the universe eg. Stars, planets, cosmic rays etc. follow Lorentz symmetry then?
 
  • #4
As far as we know right now.

Of course, tomorrow someone might report an experiment or observation that implies "Lorentz symmetry violation", and if it were confirmed, it would be a Really Big Deal.
 
  • #5
TheQuestionGuy14 said:
Does everything in the universe eg. Stars, planets, cosmic rays etc. follow Lorentz symmetry then?
Lorenrz symmetry only applies between objects having constant velocities, i.e. inertial observers.
 
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Related to What Is Lorentz Symmetry? Understanding & Differences

1. What is Lorentz symmetry?

Lorentz symmetry is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the invariance of physical laws under transformations between different inertial reference frames. This means that the laws of physics remain the same regardless of the observer's perspective or motion.

2. How is Lorentz symmetry related to special relativity?

Lorentz symmetry is a fundamental principle of special relativity, which is the theory that describes the laws of physics in non-accelerating reference frames. The equations of special relativity are based on the principle of Lorentz symmetry.

3. Are there any exceptions to Lorentz symmetry?

There are currently no known exceptions to Lorentz symmetry in the observable universe. However, some theories, such as loop quantum gravity and string theory, propose that Lorentz symmetry may break down at very high energies or on a very small scale.

4. What are the differences between Lorentz symmetry and Galilean symmetry?

Lorentz symmetry is a more general and accurate concept than Galilean symmetry. While Galilean symmetry only applies to non-relativistic (slow-moving) objects, Lorentz symmetry applies to all objects, regardless of their speed. Additionally, Galilean symmetry does not account for the effects of gravity, while Lorentz symmetry does.

5. How is Lorentz symmetry tested and verified?

Lorentz symmetry has been extensively tested and verified through experiments and observations in various fields of physics, such as particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. These tests involve measuring the properties and behavior of particles and systems in different reference frames and comparing them to the predictions of Lorentz symmetry. So far, all experimental results have been consistent with the principle of Lorentz symmetry.

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