What is C?P?
CP stands for charge + parity in particle physics. Once you work with quantum mechanics, you use high level math involving operators. What is an operator? In simple terms, think about them as about an abstract thing which does something. C and P are just the operators, and we often discuss about them when it comes to symmetry. C is a charge conjugation operator: it switches the sign, for example if you had an electron, after C is applied it becomes a positron. In another words, C changes particles into their antiparticles (opposite charged particles). We say that electromagnetism, gravity, and the nuclear (strong) force all obey the charge symmetry. Now, what is P? P stands for Parity, or “mirror operator”. Literally, every time you stand by the mirror- you see yourself under parity! Parity changes the sign of spacial component. For example, if you were at -6 m, after P you would be on +6 m. C and P sounds like useless,but they are super important when we work with particles. In addition, they combination (CP) is even more important. For now, just remember what C and P do #particlephysics
CP stands for charge + parity in particle physics. Once you work with quantum mechanics, you use high level math involving operators. What is an operator? In simple terms, think about them as about an abstract thing which does something. C and P are just the operators, and we often discuss about them when it comes to symmetry. C is a charge conjugation operator: it switches the sign, for example if you had an electron, after C is applied it becomes a positron. In another words, C changes particles into their antiparticles (opposite charged particles). We say that electromagnetism, gravity, and the nuclear (strong) force all obey the charge symmetry. Now, what is P? P stands for Parity, or “mirror operator”. Literally, every time you stand by the mirror- you see yourself under parity! Parity changes the sign of spacial component. For example, if you were at -6 m, after P you would be on +6 m. C and P sounds like useless,but they are super important when we work with particles. In addition, they combination (CP) is even more important. For now, just remember what C and P do #particlephysics