Lost in Symmetry and Super Symmetry

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter 1Truthseeker
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Lost Symmetry
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of symmetry in quantum mechanics and its relation to super-symmetry. Participants explore the challenges of understanding these concepts, particularly for new learners, and the implications of symmetry in both classical and quantum physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in grasping the concept of symmetry in quantum mechanics and seeks a clearer explanation suitable for beginners.
  • Another participant suggests that reading Chapter 2 of Weinberg's QFT book may provide useful insights into the nature of symmetries.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of understanding classical symmetry before tackling quantum symmetry and references another thread for further reading.
  • One participant claims to have found a basic understanding of symmetry in quantum mechanics, noting that the mathematical expressions are "precise" compared to classical approximations.
  • This participant questions the reasoning behind the assertion that quantum mechanical equations are symmetrical to nature, raising concerns about the implications of claiming infinite precision in these equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a lack of consensus on the understanding of symmetry in quantum mechanics, with multiple viewpoints and questions remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for foundational knowledge in classical physics to better understand quantum symmetry, indicating potential limitations in the discussion.

1Truthseeker
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
Not getting symmetry at all. I keep reading over and looking for various materials on the subject, but I still can not seem to fully grasp it. Could someone explain what symmetry means in quantum mechanics in a way that a new learner can grasp?

This question also applies to super-symmetry.

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That subject isn't very easy, but this post might be useful. It could at least help you understand what a symmetry is. Chapter 2 of Weinberg's QFT book is also a pretty good place to learn about symmetries.
 
Fredrik said:
That subject isn't very easy, but this post might be useful. It could at least help you understand what a symmetry is. Chapter 2 of Weinberg's QFT book is also a pretty good place to learn about symmetries.

Thanks a ton!
 
1Truthseeker said:
Not getting symmetry at all. I keep reading over and looking for various materials on the subject, but I still can not seem to fully grasp it. Could someone explain what symmetry means in quantum mechanics in a way that a new learner can grasp?

This question also applies to super-symmetry.

Thanks!

You need to understand what symmetry means in classical physics first. Try to read post #10 in
www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=145080

then go on and read the other posts in that thread.

regards

sam
 
After doing some reading, I have found what it essentially means. In a nutshell it means that the mathematical expressions of QM are "precise" to the definition of the phenomenon, unlike classical symmetry, which are approximations.

My question now becomes, what is the reasoning that the the QM equations are symmetrical to nature, apart from statistical proof from experiments? Isn't it going a bit far to say that these equations are 100% exact to nature? This would necessitate infinite precision.

I ask this from a mathematical standpoint, not an ontological one.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Exact symmetry, quantum states, and symmetric dynamics
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Graduate Symmetries of particle interacting with external fields (Ballentine)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking and quantum mechanics
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Graduate Quantum properties and Van Hove singularty
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
539
High School Entanglement - lack of "symmetry" in no-hidden variables explanation
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
Undergrad Are all processes CPT symmetric like measurement, stimulated emission?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Symmetry considerations between observer and observed in QM
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Graduate Why do we use BRST in Yang Mills and where does it come from?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Symmetry and symmetry breaking
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Types of symmetries in Lagrangian mechanics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K