How can we unify electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2)?

In summary, the conversation discusses the unification of electromagnetic and weak interactions and the role of SU(2) symmetry in this process. The SU(2) symmetry is spontaneously broken by the Higgs Field, resulting in a U(1) x SU(2) symmetry for the electroweak interaction. The conversation also touches on the entanglement of U(1)weak hypercharge and SU(2)weak isospin, and the application of an U(1) rotation involving the Weinberg angle. For more information on this topic, refer to the Glashow-Weinberg-Salam model.
  • #1
ndung200790
519
0
Please teach me this:
How can we unify electromagnetic and weak interactions?Is it correct that the SU(2) symmetry(flavor symmetry of fermions) is spontaniously broken(by Higgs Field) and the symmetry(be broken) ''become'' U(1)xSU(2) symmetry that is the symmetry of electroweak interaction?
Thank you very much for your kind helping.
 
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  • #2
It's bit more complicated.

One entangles U(1)weak hypercharge * SU(2)weak isospin, but the SU(2) symmetry which is broken - and therefore the residual U(1)el.-mag. symmetry which survives and gives us the massless photon - are different ones. The reason is that one applies an U(1) rotation involving the so-called Weinberg angle. This rotation mixes weak hypercharge and the 3-component of the weak isospin.

Have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glashow-Weinberg-Salam_model
 

1. What is the difference between electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2)?

Electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2) are two fundamental forces of nature that govern the behavior of subatomic particles. The main difference between them is their range and strength. Electromagnetic force has an infinite range and is much stronger compared to the weak force, which has a limited range and is relatively weaker.

2. Why do we need to unify electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2)?

Unifying electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2) is a major goal in modern physics as it would lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental forces that govern the universe. It would also help in developing a more unified theory, such as the grand unified theory or the theory of everything.

3. What is the current progress in unifying electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2)?

The current progress in unifying electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2) is through the electroweak theory, which was developed in the 1960s. This theory successfully unified the two forces and predicted the existence of the Higgs boson, which was later confirmed by experiments at the Large Hadron Collider.

4. What challenges do scientists face in unifying electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2)?

One of the main challenges in unifying electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2) is the difference in their strengths and ranges. This requires a mathematical framework that can accommodate both forces and explain their differences. Another challenge is incorporating gravity into the unified theory, which is still a major challenge in modern physics.

5. What are the potential implications of successfully unifying electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2)?

If scientists are successful in unifying electromagnetic force U(1) and weak force SU(2), it would lead to a more complete understanding of the fundamental forces of nature. It could also help in developing new technologies and applications, such as advanced energy sources and faster communication systems. Moreover, it could pave the way for future developments in the field of physics and our understanding of the universe.

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