In comparing different renormalization procedures why do we care about symmetry?

In summary, symmetry is crucial in renormalization procedures as it simplifies complex physical systems and makes calculations more manageable. Symmetries constrain the forms of renormalized equations, making calculations more precise. While symmetries can be broken during the process, renormalization helps to preserve them by removing divergences. Different approaches to incorporating symmetry include imposing constraints, using regularization methods, and using renormalization group methods.
  • #1
alemsalem
175
5
Why do we care about Lorentz or gauge invariance if we're going to remove the cutoff at the end. our physical answers are independent of the procedure,, why do we care about preserving the symmetry "during" the calculation?

Thanks for your time!
 
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  • #2
In fact we don't care!

The only important thing is that somebody (= 't Hooft) as proved that different procedures give the same results, and there exists a procedure that preserves those symmetries.
So we know that the result has Lorentz and gauge symmetries and you can chose any procedure to make your calculation
 

FAQ: In comparing different renormalization procedures why do we care about symmetry?

Why is symmetry important in renormalization procedures?

Symmetry plays a crucial role in renormalization procedures because it allows us to simplify complex physical systems and make predictions about their behavior. By identifying and preserving symmetries, we can reduce the number of parameters needed to describe a system and make calculations more manageable.

How do symmetries affect the renormalization process?

Symmetries affect the renormalization process by constraining the possible forms of the renormalized equations. This helps us to identify which terms are relevant and which can be neglected, making the calculations more precise and accurate.

Can symmetries be broken during the renormalization process?

Yes, symmetries can be broken during the renormalization process. This can happen in cases where the original symmetry is not preserved in the renormalization procedure, or when a new symmetry emerges that was not present in the original system.

How does renormalization help to preserve symmetries?

Renormalization helps to preserve symmetries by identifying and removing divergences that arise in the initial calculations. By removing these divergences, the renormalized equations better capture the symmetries of the system and allow for more accurate predictions.

Are there different approaches to incorporating symmetry into renormalization procedures?

Yes, there are different approaches to incorporating symmetry into renormalization procedures. Some common techniques include imposing symmetry constraints on the renormalized equations, using symmetry-preserving regularization methods, and using symmetry-based renormalization group methods.

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