The Role of Symmetry in the Development of the Standard Model (Elements in Physics beyond the Standard Model with Atomic and Molecular Systems)

Symmetry and its various realizations have played a pivotal role in the development of the extremely well tested Standard Model of the strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions. In this Element, the author traces the development of the model through the interplay of the different symmetries realized in the various components of the model as well as in other sub-fields of physics.