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    Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Field Theory
    Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Field Theory
    Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Field Theory
    Ebook46 pages21 minutes

    Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Field Theory

    By Evan Hughes

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    About this ebook

    This paper describes a brief history of symmetry and symmetry breaking in physics, describes the concepts of symmetry and symmetry breaking (both spontaneous and explicit, and explores spontaneous symmetry breaking in quantum field theory, giving examples accompanied by Feynman Diagrams and simplified Lagrangian equations. Finally, some examples of spontaneous symmetry breaking are given for classical systems.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherEvan Hughes
    Release dateJan 1, 2015
    ISBN9781311582812
    Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Field Theory
    Author

    Evan Hughes

    Born in Texas but raised in Germany, Evan Hughes grew up in the land of fairy tales. His previous works include articles in the "Stuttgarter Algemeine" and several poetry anthologies, including "Patchwork" and "Musings". Most recently, one of his fairy tales can be found in the anthology "Merry Sorrows (Un)Happy Endings." Poetry infuses his fiction, giving it a unique musical rhythm.Evan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Pitzer College, and is the author of a series of articles on physics for laypeople. He has observed an extra-solar planet using Pomona College's 1m telescope at Table Mountain Observatory, and made use of the Very Large Array in New Mexico to study the Fornax A radiogalaxy.

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      Book preview

      Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Field Theory - Evan Hughes

      Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Field Theory

      Evan Hughes

      Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Field Theory

      Evan Hughes

      Published by Evan Hughes

      Copyright © 2009 by Evan Hughes

      Atlanta, GA 30316

      ° ° °

      Originally published in partial fulfillment of Charles Evans Hughes II’s Senior Thesis in Physics to the Joint Science Department of the Claremont Colleges, April 11, 2009.

      Charles Evans Hughes II and Evan Hughes are the same individual.

      ° ° °

      Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book may be reproduced, copied, and distributed for educational purposes only provided any content so used remains in its original form only and proper attribution is given.

      CONTENTS

      Abstract

      Introduction

      Historical Background

      Symmetry

      Symmetry Breaking

      Methods and Discussion

      The Lagrangian

      Case 1

      Case 2

      Case 2a

      Case 3

      Case 3a

      Quantum Decoherence

      Three Examples of Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking in Classical Mechanics

      Conclusions

      Future Directions

      References

      ABSTRACT

      Spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) plays a crucial role in physics. Its effects can be seen in both classical and quantum mechanics. Without SSB, our universe would not exist as we know it. As such, it is essential to expand our understanding of this phenomenon. To this end, we begin by discussing the history of symmetry and asymmetry in physics. After defining SSB, we explore the roles of spontaneous symmetry breaking and demonstrate certain instances of SSB. We then use the Langrangian formulation, an essential tool for understanding Quantum Field Theory, to determine the potential energy states for some two particle systems. We also address the role of SSB in the quantum decoherence of bodies. Through these methods, we achieve a better understanding of the physical

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