In
physics, a zero mode is an
eigenvector with a vanishing
eigenvalue.
In various subfields of physics zero modes appear whenever a physical system possesses a certain symmetry. For example,
normal modes
A normal mode of a dynamical system is a pattern of motion in which all parts of the system move sinusoidally with the same frequency and with a fixed phase relation. The free motion described by the normal modes takes place at fixed frequencies. ...
of multidimensional
harmonic oscillator
In classical mechanics, a harmonic oscillator is a system that, when displaced from its Mechanical equilibrium, equilibrium position, experiences a restoring force ''F'' Proportionality (mathematics), proportional to the displacement ''x'':
\v ...
(e.g. a system of beads arranged around the circle, connected with springs) corresponds to elementary vibrational modes of the system. In such a system zero modes typically occur and are related with a rigid rotation around the circle.
The
kernel of an operator consists of left zero modes, and the
cokernel consists of the right zero modes.
References
Linear algebra
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