Does an exact three-fold symmetry exist in physics?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Loren Booda
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics Symmetry
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the existence of exact three-fold symmetry in physics, particularly in relation to particles such as electrons, positrons, and baryons composed of three identical quarks. It is established that while an electron and positron exhibit an exact two-fold symmetry, true triplicate symmetry is not present in current physical models. Constraints preventing three-fold symmetry include the anti-symmetry observed in the electron/positron pair and the behavior of color charges in quarks, which demonstrate cyclic rotation rather than true symmetry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics, specifically electron and positron behavior.
  • Familiarity with baryons and quark composition.
  • Knowledge of symmetry principles in physics, including anti-symmetry.
  • Basic grasp of color charge and its implications in quantum chromodynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of anti-symmetry in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of color charge in quantum chromodynamics (QCD).
  • Investigate baryon structure and the role of identical quarks.
  • Study the mathematical representation of symmetries in particle physics.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the fundamental symmetries of particles and their interactions.

Loren Booda
Messages
3,108
Reaction score
4
An isolated electron and positron depict an exact two-fold symmetry. Are there any examples in physics of a truly triplicate symmetry? If not, what constraints are there that prevent it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How about that for baryons composed of three identical quarks?
 
To be very picky, the electron/positron symmetry is an exact anti-symmetry like the anti-symmetry between E and B in EM. The spinor wave equation pair have a change of sign, or they would be symmetrical.

I've been told I'm a pedant already.
 
How about the color charges of quarks?
 
cyclic rotation of x y and z axis in space ?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad "Unexpected" Symmetry in Elliptical Orbit
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Graduate Understanding Symmetry Breaking to Everyday Examples
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Could the Lorentz symmetry be theoretically broken in vacuum?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Explore Spacetimes, Metrics & Symmetries in Relativity Theory
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Properties of body with spherical symmetry
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Graduate Different symmetries or no symmetries in string theory?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate What would it mean if symmetries in physics would not be fundamental?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Alternative topology of our 3D space
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Symmetries of particle interacting with external fields (Ballentine)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
What causes the asymmetry in a symmetrically developing organism?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K