Lagrangian explicitly preserves symmetries of a theory?

In summary, the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formalisms are different in that the path integral formalism, based on the Lagrangian and action, explicitly preserves all symmetries. However, the Hamiltonian formulation breaks explicit Lorentz invariance by singling out the time variable through the definition of canonical momentum. This can be recovered, but it does not explicitly preserve symmetries.
  • #1
copernicus1
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How are the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian different as far as preserving symmetries of a theory? Peskin and Schroeder write that the path integral formalism is nice because since it's based on the action and Lagrangian it explicitly preserves all the symmetries, but I'm wondering how/why the Hamiltonian doesn't. I know H isn't invariant under Lorentz transformations, but isn't it true that quantities commuting with H are conserved? So can't you find other symmetries of the system this way using the Hamiltonian? Or are they mainly referring to the Lorentz invariance of the Lagrangian (density) and action?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
The two formalisms are equivalent. However, the hamiltonian formulation singles out the time variable through the definition of the canonical momentum. Any time you single something out you break a symmetry. However, while explicit lorentz invariance is broken by this, it can be recovered.
 

What is the Lagrangian of a theory?

The Lagrangian of a theory is a function that describes the dynamics of a physical system. It is usually written as the difference between the kinetic and potential energy of the system, and it plays a crucial role in determining the equations of motion for the system.

What are symmetries in physics?

Symmetries in physics refer to the invariance of physical laws under certain transformations. These transformations can include rotations, translations, and reflections, among others. Symmetries are important because they help us understand the fundamental laws of nature and can even lead to new insights and discoveries.

How does the Lagrangian explicitly preserve symmetries?

The Lagrangian explicitly preserves symmetries by being constructed in such a way that it remains invariant under the transformations associated with the symmetries of the theory. This means that the equations of motion derived from the Lagrangian will also be invariant under these transformations, ensuring that the theory is consistent with the observed symmetries.

Why is it important for the Lagrangian to preserve symmetries?

It is important for the Lagrangian to preserve symmetries because it ensures that the theory accurately describes the physical system. If the Lagrangian does not preserve certain symmetries, it may lead to inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the equations of motion, which can affect the predictions of the theory and not match with experimental observations.

Can the Lagrangian explicitly preserve all symmetries?

No, the Lagrangian may not explicitly preserve all symmetries of a theory. This is because some symmetries may not be apparent or known at the time of constructing the Lagrangian. However, the Lagrangian can be modified or extended to include additional symmetries as they are discovered or become relevant to the theory.

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