Definition

Noun: - (Physics): A fundamental symmetry principle stating that the laws of physics are invariant under a parity transformation, which inverts the spatial coordinates (x, y, z) → (-x, -y, -z). This means a physical process and its mirror image (where left and right are swapped) should occur with identical probability, assuming this symmetry holds. It is also known as parity symmetry or P-symmetry.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The experiment tested the validity of space-reflection symmetry in weak nuclear interactions.
  • For many years, physicists believed space-reflection symmetry was a universal law.
  • The violation of space-reflection symmetry was a major discovery in particle physics.

Advanced Usage

• "To conserve space-reflection symmetry": Describes a process or interaction where parity is preserved.
  • Strong nuclear forces conserve space-reflection symmetry.
• "Violation of space-reflection symmetry": Describes the phenomenon, discovered in 1956, where this symmetry is not upheld, particularly in weak nuclear interactions.
  • The violation of space-reflection symmetry implies the universe has a handedness at a fundamental level.

Variants and Related Words

• Parity (P) symmetry (n): The more common technical term for space-reflection symmetry.
• Mirror symmetry (n): A term often used synonymously in this context.
• Parity violation (n): The breaking of space-reflection symmetry.
• Chirality (n): The property of handedness, closely related to discussions of this symmetry.

Synonyms

• Parity symmetry
• P-symmetry
• Mirror symmetry (in this specific physics context)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• CP symmetry: The combined symmetry of charge conjugation (C) and parity (P).
• CPT theorem: A fundamental theorem stating that the combined operations of charge conjugation, parity reversal, and time reversal (T) is an exact symmetry for all physical laws.
• Left-right symmetry: A concept in model building that restores parity symmetry at a higher energy scale.

Noun

1. (physics) parity is conserved in a universe in which the laws of physics are the same in a right-handed system of coordinates as in a left-handed system