About spin being an internal symmetry

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SUMMARY

Spin is classified as an internal symmetry that is distinct from other internal symmetries such as electrical charge, color, and flavor due to its coupling with orbital angular momentum and its implications for space-time. This discussion highlights the classification of particles into two families: bosons and fermions, emphasizing the significance of spin in particle physics. The debate centers around the nature of spin, with some arguing that it should be considered a space-time symmetry rather than an internal symmetry.

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  • Knowledge of angular momentum in physics
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  • Research the role of spin in quantum field theory
  • Explore the relationship between spin and orbital angular momentum
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jtceleron
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As we know, spin is an internal symmetry. but it seems a bit different from other internal symmetry, e.g. electrical charge, color, flavor... because it can be coupled with orbital angular momentum and in some aspects be linked to space-time. further more, we can classify all the particles into two families, bosons and fermions, which seems to make spin more important than any other internal symmetry.
I am a bit confused of this, why is it special from others?
 
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What do you mean by internal symmetry?
 
Spin is not an internal symmetry, but a space-time symmetry.
 

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