Spontaneous symmetry breaking

Definition

Spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs when a system that is symmetric under some symmetry group goes into a vacuum state that is not symmetric. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in explaining the behavior of fundamental particles and cosmological events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Spontaneous symmetry breaking helps explain why particles have mass via the Higgs mechanism.
2. It is essential in understanding phase transitions, such as from liquid to solid.
3. The concept was pivotal in developing the Standard Model of particle physics.
4. In cosmology, it can explain the formation of structure in the early universe.
5. Goldstone bosons arise as a consequence of spontaneous symmetry breaking.

Review Questions

• What role does spontaneous symmetry breaking play in giving particles mass?
• How is spontaneous symmetry breaking related to phase transitions?
• Why are Goldstone bosons significant in the context of spontaneous symmetry breaking?

Related terms

Higgs Mechanism:

A process by which gauge bosons acquire mass through interactions with the Higgs field, involving spontaneous symmetry breaking.

Goldstone Boson: A massless mode that appears when continuous symmetries are spontaneously broken.

Standard Model:

A theory describing three of the four known fundamental forces and classifying all known subatomic particles.