helicity

/ hɪˈlɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. physics the projection of the spin of an elementary particle on the direction of propagation

helicity

/ hə-lĭs′ĭ-tē,hē′ /

1. The projection of a particle's spin vector in the direction of its momentum vector, being positive if it points in the same direction, and negative if it points in the opposite direction. Helicity is in effect the handedness, or chirality , of the spin of a particle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicity¹

C20: from helix + -ity

Example Sentences

Mikic, Z. & Linker, J. Coronal mass ejection: initiation, helicity and flux ropes.

From Nature

Amari, T. & Luciani, J. F. Helicity redistribution during relaxation of astrophysical plasmas.

From Nature

The link between the changes in severe tornado outbreaks and an increase in storm relative helicity is unsurprising but difficult to explain, Brooks says.

From Science Magazine

They are also helicity and CKM suppressed.

From Nature

Many allowed decay modes, which typically involve charmed hadrons and other particles, have angular momentum configurations that are not helicity suppressed.

From Nature