Comments about "Parity (physics)" in Wikipedia

This document contains comments about the article Parity (physics) in Wikipedia

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Contents

• 1. Simple symmetry relations
• 1.1 Representations of O(3)
• 2. Classical mechanics
• 3. Effect of spatial inversion on some variables of classical physics
• 3.1 Odd
• 3.2 Even
• 4. Quantum mechanics
• 4.1 Possible eigenvalues
• 4.2 Consequences of parity symmetry
• 5. Many-particle systems: atoms, molecules, nuclei
• 5.1 Atoms
• 5.2 Molecules
• 5.3 Nuclei
• 6. Quantum field theory
• 7. Parity in the Standard Model
• 7.1 Fixing the global symmetries
• 7.2 Parity of the pion
• 7.3 Parity violation
• 7.4 Intrinsic parity of hadrons
• 8. See also

Reflection

• Reflection 1 -
• Reflection 2 -
• Reflection 3 -

Introduction

The article starts with the following sentence.

All fundamental interactions of elementary particles, with the exception of the weak interaction, are symmetric under parity.

As established by the Wu experiment conducted at the US National Bureau of Standards by Chinese-American scientist Chien-Shiung Wu, the weak interaction is chiral and thus provides a means for probing chirality in physics.

In her experiment, Wu took advantage of the controlling role of weak interactions in radioactive decay of atomic isotopes to establish the chirality of the weak force.

1. Simple symmetry relations

1.1 Representations of O(3)

2. Classical mechanics

3. Effect of spatial inversion on some variables of classical physics

3.1 Odd

3.2 Even

4. Quantum mechanics

4.1 Possible eigenvalues

4.2 Consequences of parity symmetry

5. Many-particle systems: atoms, molecules, nuclei

5.1 Atoms

5.2 Molecules

5.3 Nuclei

6. Quantum field theory

7. Parity in the Standard Model

7.1 Fixing the global symmetries

7.2 Parity of the pion

7.3 Parity violation

By the mid-20th century, it had been suggested by several scientists that parity might not be conserved (in different contexts), but without solid evidence these suggestions were not considered important.

Then, in 1956, a careful review and analysis by theoretical physicists Tsung-Dao Lee and Chen-Ning Yang went further, showing that while parity conservation had been verified in decays by the strong or electromagnetic interactions, it was untested in the weak interaction.

They proposed several possible direct experimental tests.

They were mostly ignored, but Lee was able to convince his Columbia colleague Chien-Shiung Wu to try it.

She was the hero.

She needed special cryogenic facilities and expertise, so the experiment was done at the National Bureau of Standards.

7.4 Intrinsic parity of hadrons

8. See also

Following is a list with "Comments in Wikipedia" about related subjects

• Relativity of Simultaneity Commments
• One-way speed of light Commments

Reflection 1

Reflection 2

Reflection 3

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