Symmetry is ubiquitous in nature and underlies fundamental interactions and phase transitions. The talk will address what symmetry means for physical objects and equations, how symmetry helps understand physical relations, and the connection between continuous symmetry groups and conservation laws. If time allows, a classification of partial differential equations with infinite symmetry algebras will be presented along with the geometric interpretation of their solution spaces.

1. Symmetry is ubiquitous in nature: it underlies the description of
fundamental interactions in the standard model of particle
physics and phase transitions often involve a symmetry breaking
process. What precisely does it mean for a geometrical object or
physical equation to possess symmetry? In this I talk I will
address this question, how symmetry can help us understand
physical relations, as well as the connection between continuous
invariance groups and conservation laws. Time permitting, I will
present a classification of a class of partial differential equations
that admit infinite symmetry algebras and geometrical
interpretations of the space of solutions of said equations.
MR. TUCKER
HARTLAND
CSU Chico
Conservation
Laws and
Physical
Symmetries
Physics Department Seminar
3pm May 6, 2016, Physical Sciences room 105