U(1) Gauge Symmetry

U(1) gauge symmetry is a concept in physics that describes a type of symmetry related to electric charge in the context of field theories, particularly electromagnetism. It implies that certain transformations of the fields (like shifting the phase of a wave) can occur without changing the physical outcomes of an experiment. This symmetry leads to the conservation of electric charge and helps explain how particles interact with forces. Essentially, it shows that some properties remain unchanged even when you adjust certain aspects of the system, reflecting a fundamental principle in nature.