Is SU(2) the key to understanding quantum numbers and symmetry?

In summary, quantum numbers are numerical values used to describe the properties of particles, while SU(2) is a mathematical group that represents the symmetries of quantum states. These two concepts are related because quantum numbers label the quantum states, which are transformed by the symmetries of SU(2). There are three quantum numbers in the SU(2) group, and they play a role in enforcing the Pauli exclusion principle. While quantum numbers and SU(2) can be used to predict the behavior of particles, these predictions are probabilistic. SU(2) transformations do not change the values of quantum numbers, but they can affect the quantum states and therefore, the associated quantum numbers.
  • #1
TrickyDicky
3,507
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Is it purely coincidental that the internal symmetry related flavor quantum numbers(like isospin and weak isospin) and the spacetime symmetry related spin quantum number have SU(2) as underlying group?
They refer to seemingly unrelated things but it is remarkable how ubiquitous SU(2) is.
 
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  • #2
Yes, mere coincidence. In the absence of supersymmetry.
 
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FAQ: Is SU(2) the key to understanding quantum numbers and symmetry?

What are quantum numbers and how are they related to SU(2)?

Quantum numbers are a set of numerical values that describe the energy, angular momentum, and other properties of an atom or subatomic particle. SU(2) is a mathematical group that represents the symmetries of the quantum states of a system, including rotations of particles in space. Quantum numbers and SU(2) are related because the quantum numbers are used to label the quantum states of particles, and these states are transformed by the symmetries of SU(2).

How many quantum numbers are there in the SU(2) group?

In the SU(2) group, there are a total of three quantum numbers: spin, magnetic quantum number, and principal quantum number. These quantum numbers describe different aspects of the quantum state of a particle, such as its intrinsic angular momentum, its orientation in space, and its energy level.

How do quantum numbers and SU(2) relate to the Pauli exclusion principle?

The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two identical particles can occupy the same quantum state. Quantum numbers and SU(2) play a key role in determining the quantum states of particles, and therefore, they also play a role in enforcing the Pauli exclusion principle. Specifically, particles with different quantum numbers can occupy the same quantum state, but particles with the same quantum numbers cannot.

Can quantum numbers and SU(2) be used to predict the behavior of particles?

Quantum numbers and SU(2) can be used to describe and predict the behavior of particles within the framework of quantum mechanics. They help us understand how particles interact with each other and how they behave in different environments. However, the predictions made using these concepts are probabilistic in nature, as particles at the quantum scale do not follow deterministic laws.

How do SU(2) transformations affect the quantum numbers of particles?

SU(2) transformations are rotations in a 3-dimensional space, and they do not change the values of the quantum numbers themselves. However, they can change the quantum states of particles, and therefore, the quantum numbers associated with those states may change. This is because SU(2) transformations affect the orientation and energy of particles, which are described by the quantum numbers.

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