Circular symmetry

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Circular symmetry in mathematical physics applies to a 2-dimensional field which can be expressed as a function of distance from a central point only. This means that all points on each circle take the same value.

An example would be magnetic field intensity in a plane perpendicular to a current-carrying wire. A pattern with circular symmetry would consist of concentric circles. The 3-dimensional equivalent term is spherical symmetry.

See also rotational symmetry.

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