Physical examples Pseudovector



each wheel of car driving away observer has angular momentum pseudovector pointing left. same true mirror image of car.


consider pseudovector angular momentum l = r × p. driving in car, , looking forward, each of wheels has angular momentum vector pointing left. if world reflected in mirror switches left , right side of car, reflection of angular momentum vector (viewed ordinary vector) points right, actual angular momentum vector of wheel (which still turning forward in reflection) still points left, corresponding minus sign in reflection of pseudovector.


the distinction between vectors , pseudovectors becomes important in understanding effect of symmetry on solution physical systems. consider electric current loop in z = 0 plane inside loop generates magnetic field oriented in z direction. system symmetric (invariant) under mirror reflections through plane, magnetic field unchanged reflection. reflecting magnetic field vector through plane expected reverse it; expectation corrected realizing magnetic field pseudovector, sign flip leaving unchanged.







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