Global symmetries are geometric symmetries that must be applied consistently throughout a physical theory. There are however other symmetric maneuvers--if a change due to such transformation can be compensated by a physical field, it is called a local symmetry. One example is the use of Maxwells electromagnetism equations; suppose a number of electrically charged particles are distributed throughout a space, and the electric field is computed: moving the charges does not maintain symmetry, but adding the magnetic field to the system provides a way to transform it so that symmetry is maintained. There are cases when non-geometric symmetry is possible with change of electric charge; charge-reversal symmetry. It results in presently hypothetical but physically possible systems of particles. Another more bizarre non-geometric symmetry involves rotating a neutron into a proton through an imaginary space of quantum numbers. (Stewart, 150). Stewart, Ian. (1996). From Here to Infinity. New York: Oxford University Press.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 07:02:17 +0000
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