Examples of Symmetry can be easily observed by those around us in our regular lives. From butterflies to flowers, from buildings and other things in nature symmetry is found everywhere.
In this article, we will discuss symmetry with its real-life examples. But before diving into the topic we will first discuss what symmetry is, and where it is observed, and at last, we’ll see some frequently asked questions(FAQs).
What is Symmetry?
Symmetry is a fundamental concept that is commonly found in mathematics, especially geometry but it is also often discussed in art and design. It is present in every aspect of our lives and can often be found in unexpected places, we can see and feel it all around us. From the structure of molecules to the arrangement of petals on a flower, symmetry surrounds us and influences both the natural world and human creations.
Where is Symmetry Observed?
Almost everything around us is symmetrical, we observe it day in and out but never think about it. Just imagine having one ear, one eye, one leg, or one hand- nothing symmetrical about it!
We were created symmetrically. Symmetry is used everywhere in the real world because the production of identical copies of things is generally much cheaper than customizing each item.
Real-Life Examples of Symmetry
Various examples of symmetry as observed in our life include:
Symmetry in Design and Technology
Integrated Circuits: The layout or arrangement of components on integrated circuits (IC) usually relies on symmetry to optimize its performance and minimize interference, which increases the overall efficiency of electronic devices.
Symmetrical Logos: Many brands use symmetrical designs in their company logos to bring feelings of balance, structure, stability, and aesthetic appeal, influencing consumer perceptions and brand recognition.
Companies such as GeeksforGeeks, Motorola, McDonalds, and Volkswagen all have a symmetrical logo.
Symmetry in Design and Technology
Symmetry in Nature
Snowflakes: A snowflake is a single ice crystal having 6 similar arms with a unique and stunning work of art, that shows six-fold radial symmetry.
Butterfly Wings: Butterfly wings show reflection symmetry because when a butterfly folds its wings it is easy to see that their wings are of the same shape and a nearly perfect mirror image of the other wing.
Symmetry in Nature
Symmetry in Architecture
Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world which is a perfect symmetrical planned building. If you draw an imaginary vertical line through the middle part of the Taj Mahal, you will notice that each side looks exactly the same because of reflectional symmetry.
Geometric Tiles: Almost we all have seen so many architectural designs in many places where geometric patterns are used across surfaces like floors and walls. Tessellations or tiling is used to create very beautiful symmetrical geometric patterns.
Symmetry in Architecture
Symmetry in Art and Design
Architecture Design: Our ancestors have been using geometric designs to make different types of architecture since thousands of years ago. The use of these geometric designs is seen in many Islamic architectures which usually emphasize symmetry, reflecting the mathematical preciseness and aesthetic balance.
Kaleidoscope Patterns: A kaleidoscope has mirrors inside it which produce images that have multiple lines of symmetry. Kaleidoscope show rotational symmetry because the colors and shapes replicate symmetrically around a central point.
Symmetry in Art and Design
Symmetry in Biology
Human Body: You might have noticed a very familiar symmetry, the symmetry of the right and left sides of the human body. The transformation that gives this symmetry is reflection by an imaginary mirror that slices vertically through the body. The human body shows bilateral symmetry, which is also known as mirror symmetry.
Floral Symmetry: Floral symmetry means how the flowers can be divided into different mirror-image parts. Flowers generally show radial and bilateral symmetry, with petals symmetrically arranged at the central point. The flowers that shows radial symmetry are sunflowers, lilies, wild roses, daisies, etc.
Symmetry in Biology
FAQs on Examples of Symmetry
What is Symmetry?
Symmetry is a concept that is commonly found in math, especially geometry but it is also often used by artists to create balance and harmony in art and design.
What are 4 different types of symmetry in mathematics?
The four types of symmetry are:
- Rotational Symmetry
- Glide Symmetry
- Reflection Symmetry
- Translation Symmetry
How can symmetry be identified in real-life objects?
Symmetry can be identified in real-life objects by observing various arrangements such as shapes and patterns which show balanced repetition or reflection an axis, point, or plane.
Why there is symmetry in nature?
Symmetry is fundamental to the laws of nature and nature has plenty of things that have symmetry in their shapes one of nature’s symmetric examples is the pattern in snowflakes.
Which type of symmetry is present in a human face?
Reflectional symmetry is present in a human face because the left and right sides of the face are mirror images of each other.
Which type of symmetry is present in spider webs?
Radial symmetry is present in spider webs, as it helps to evenly distribute the force of impact when any prey hits the spider web.
Which type of symmetry is present in paper windmills?
Rotational symmetry is present in paper windmills and it has an order of symmetry of 4.