The roles of symmetries in nature

Description
Prof. Bruno Zumino, Physics Dept., UC Berkeley discusses symmetries, which play a very important role in nature. Some of these (e.g. mirror symmetry, time reversal and the symmetry that relates particles to antiparticles) are described by discrete transformations. These are not independent of one another, but are related by an important property of space-time that is implied by Einstein's theory of relativity. Other symmetries involve smooth transformations; some are only approximately valid, but are still very useful for an understanding of nature. There are also speculated symmetries, of which the most important is called supersymmetry, and relates the properties of very different particles. In spite of the lack of direct experimental evidence, there are compelling arguments for its validity. In theories such as string theory that attempt to unify quantum mechanics with Einstein's gravity, a new concept emerges to replace in part that of symmetry, the concept of duality.

Description

Prof. Bruno Zumino, Physics Dept., UC Berkeley discusses symmetries, which play a very important role in nature. Some of these (e.g. mirror symmetry, time reversal and the symmetry that relates particles to antiparticles) are described by discrete transformations. These are not independent of one another, but are related by an important property of space-time that is implied by Einstein's theory of relativity. Other symmetries involve smooth transformations; some are only approximately valid, but are still very useful for an understanding of nature. There are also speculated symmetries, of which the most important is called supersymmetry, and relates the properties of very different particles. In spite of the lack of direct experimental evidence, there are compelling arguments for its validity. In theories such as string theory that attempt to unify quantum mechanics with Einstein's gravity, a new concept emerges to replace in part that of symmetry, the concept of duality.

Details
Title	The roles of symmetries in nature
Creator	Zumino, B. 1923-2014. (Bruno),
Creator	University of California, Berkeley. Department of Physics.
Published	2003.
Full Collection Name	UCB Physics Department Lectures
Subject (Topic)	Symmetry (Physics) Congresses. Symétrie (Physique) Congrès.
Type	Video
Extent	1 online resource (1 streaming video file)
Archive	Physics Library
Note	Originally produced as a VHS in 2003. "The J. Robert Oppenheimer lecture in physics."
Usage Statement	Researchers may make free and open use of the UC Berkeley Library’s digitized public domain materials. However, some materials in our online collections may be protected by U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.). Use or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use (Title 17, U.S.C. § 107) requires permission from the copyright owners. The use or reproduction of some materials may also be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, privacy and publicity rights, or trademark law. Responsibility for determining rights status and permissibility of any use or reproduction rests exclusively with the researcher. To learn more or make inquiries, please see our permissions policies (https://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/permissions-policies).
Collection	Physics Lectures
Tracks	lectures/phys045.mp4
Linked Resources	View record in Digital Collections.

The roles of symmetries in nature

Description

Details