Fundamentals of Particle Physics: Understanding the Standard Model

The Standard Model of particle physics is a modern introduction to the field for graduate students and advanced undergraduate students, covering step-by-step explanations, theory, and experimental results. It assumes prior knowledge of special relativity and non-relativistic quantum mechanics and is written in a pedagogical, first-principles approach.

Format: Hardback
Length: 550 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This text is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the Standard Model of particle physics, designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduate students with a prior knowledge of special relativity and non-relativistic quantum mechanics. It presents all aspects of the field, including step-by-step explanations of the theory and the most recent experimental results. Taking a pedagogical, first-principles approach, it demonstrates the essential tools for students to process and analyze experimental particle physics data for themselves. While relatively short compared to other texts, it provides enough material to be covered comfortably in a two-semester course. Some of the more technical details are given in optional supplementary boxes, while problems are provided at the end of each chapter. Written as a bridge between basic descriptive books and purely theoretical works, this text offers instructors ample flexibility to meet the needs of their courses.

The Standard Model of particle physics is a fundamental framework for understanding the fundamental building blocks of the universe. It describes the interactions between elementary particles, such as electrons, protons, and neutrons, and their corresponding antiparticles, such as positrons, antineutrons, and neutrinos. The model is based on the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity and has been extensively tested and validated through countless experiments over the past century.

One of the key features of the Standard Model is its ability to explain a wide range of phenomena observed in nature. For example, it explains the existence of matter and energy, the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels, and the nature of gravity. The model also predicts the existence of other particles, such as the Higgs boson, which was recently discovered at the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland.

Despite its success, the Standard Model is not without its limitations. For example, it does not explain the origin of the universe, the nature of dark matter and dark energy, or the mechanism behind the strong force. These are some of the most pressing questions in physics today, and researchers are actively exploring new theories and models to address them.

In this text, we will provide a modern introduction to the Standard Model of particle physics. We will begin by discussing the basic principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity and then introduce the Standard Model's framework for understanding the fundamental particles and their interactions. We will also discuss the experimental evidence supporting the model and the challenges that remain in its understanding.

One of the key features of the Standard Model is its simplicity. The model is based on a small number of fundamental particles and interactions, which makes it easy to understand and predict. However, this simplicity also comes with its limitations, as it does not account for all the phenomena observed in nature. For example, the model does not explain the origin of the universe, the nature of dark matter and dark energy, or the mechanism behind the strong force.

To address these limitations, researchers are exploring new theories and models beyond the Standard Model. One of the most promising theories is the theory of quantum gravity, which seeks to unify the principles of quantum mechanics and general relativity. Another promising theory is the theory of supersymmetry, which proposes that every particle in the Standard Model has a corresponding supersymmetric particle, which could explain some of the mysteries of the universe, such as the origin of mass and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

In addition to these new theories, researchers are also exploring new experimental techniques to test and validate the Standard Model. For example, the Large Hadron Collider, a particle accelerator located in Switzerland, is used to study the behavior of particles at extremely high energies and pressures, which could provide new insights into the nature of the universe.

In conclusion, the Standard Model of particle physics is a powerful framework for understanding the fundamental building blocks of the universe. While it has been successful in explaining a wide range of phenomena observed in nature, it does not account for all the phenomena observed in nature. To address these limitations, researchers are exploring new theories and models beyond the Standard Model and new experimental techniques to test and validate the model. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, we can expect to make new discoveries that will help us to better understand the nature of the cosmos.

Weight: 1288g
ISBN-13: 9781009171588