Description
This modern introduction to particle physics equips students with the skills needed to develop a deep and intuitive understanding of the physical theory underpinning contemporary experimental results. The fundamental tools of particle physics are introduced and accompanied by historical profiles charting the development of the field. Theory and experiment are closely linked, with descriptions of experimental techniques used at CERN accompanied by detail on the physics of the Large Hadron Collider and the strong and weak forces that dominate proton collisions. Recent experimental results are featured, including the discovery of the Higgs boson. Equations are supported by physical interpretations, and end-of-chapter problems are based on datasets from a range of particle physics experiments including dark matter, neutrino, and collider experiments. A solutions manual for instructors is available online. Additional features include worked examples throughout, a detailed glossary of key terms, appendices covering essential background material, and extensive references and further reading to aid self-study, making this an invaluable resource for advanced undergraduates in physics.
The illustrious writer woefully neglects to inform the reader that this text is actually made of referenced particles.
That’s right. I hope I haven’t spoiled the plot.
The book is extremely well written . Someone with limited preparation can get a great deal out of it. Explanations of use of group theory in particle physics are very well done.
I have read chapters 1 to 4 and so far found this book explained clearly for an undergraduate assuming you have knowledge of special relativity and electrodynamics and modern physics.
I am a retired electrical engineer and had only studied classical physics (Newtonian & Maxwellian) 40 years ago during my university days “Down Under”. But no worries, if you do not understand chapters 2,3 & 4, the following books are very helpful as I had referred to them to help me understand the required chapters 2,3 & 4:
(A) Relativity(4 vectors) and Electrodynamics
(1) Introduction to Electrodynamics by David Griffiths
Chapter 10 Potentials and Fields
Chapter 12 Relativity and Electrodynamics
(2) Introduction to Elementary Particles by David Griffiths
Chapter 3 Relativistic Kinematics
If you have not come across the Dirac Notation, the following books help:
(B) Quantum Mechanics
(1) Quantum Physics for Dummies by Steven Holzner
(2) Quantum Mechanics Demystified by David McMahon
(3) Quantum Mechanics by David McIntyre
(4) A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics by John Townsend
If you have problems with matrices, the following books are helpful:
(C) Linear Algebra
(1) A First Course in Linear Algebra by Moore & Yaqub
(2) A Modern Introduction to Linear Algebra by Henry Ricardo
(D) Modern Physics
(1) Modern Physics by Randy Harris
(2) Concepts of Modern Physics by Arthur Beiser
If you need a brief chapter on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian, this book helps:
(E) Classical Mechanics
(1) Classical Mechanics – A Modern Perspective by Barger & Olsson
Hope the above is useful to undergraduates as I was once like you 40 years ago “Down Under” trying to understand the lecturer’s explanation.
Regards, Philip,Sarawak,Borneo,East Malaysia.
There are myriads of Particle Physics books and they tend to drown you in maths from page 1. I have quite a few on my shelf, being an engineer with an interest in the matter and going beyond the popular science stuff. This book is different, much softer and down to earth in showing only the basic maths and giving lots of background, history, and physical insight to explain the equations and the results. It is a “post Higgs discovery” book, and it explains the story quite well, I thought. I would recommend this warmly if you want to go beyond basics, but not too far. I enjoyed the book.
Disclaimer: I used this book in a course taught by the author.
I found this book to be a great resource in providing a modern overview of particle physics. Since this field changes quite drastically, older books (no matter how well written) are out of date on important topics.
This book covers material that I have trouble finding elsewhere and, for this reason, I have repeatedly used it in my research in simulating particle transport. I think it is well written (historical interludes help keep it relatively light) and I’d recommend it to prospective buyers.