Final answer:
A symmetry defect refers to an imperfection in the symmetrical arrangement of a system, commonly seen in the structure of crystals such as with point defects like Frenkel and Schottky defects. This concept also spans into physics, where symmetry is crucial in the study of sub-atomic particles.
Step-by-step explanation:
A symmetry defect occurs when there is an irregularity or discrepancy in the symmetrical arrangement of a system. In crystal defects, these are imperfections in the crystalline structure, where atoms, ions, or molecules deviate from their ideal positions. For example, vacancies may occur when atoms or ions supposed to be present in the crystal lattice are missing. Point defects, such as Frenkel and Schottky defects, are specific types of crystal defects involving misplacement or absence of ions without disrupting the overall charge balance.
Outside the realm of crystallography, symmetry plays a vital role in various fields of physics. Bilateral symmetry refers to an object that can be divided into two symmetrical parts across a unique plane. However, this can also apply to fundamental physics, where symmetry is a key concept in sub-atomic particles research, including experiments conducted at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. In such cases, the breaking of symmetry could be indicative of new physics phenomena.