Particles, Fields, Space-Time: From Thomson's Electron to Higgs' Boson

Subatomic physics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It is a complex and fascinating field that has led to many important discoveries and advancements in our understanding of the universe.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 302 pages
\n Publication date: 14 September 2020
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Subatomic physics is a fascinating field of study that delves into the realm of the very building blocks of matter and energy. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the fundamental properties of atoms and molecules to the complex interactions between particles and their environment. In this comprehensive overview, we will focus on some of the major breakthroughs, disruptive ideas, and unexpected results that have emerged in subatomic physics over the years.

At the heart of subatomic physics is the study of atoms, which are the smallest units of matter that can be divided into smaller particles. Atoms are composed of three fundamental particles: protons, electrons, and neutrons. Protons and neutrons are held together by the strong nuclear force, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in specific energy levels.

One of the most significant breakthroughs in subatomic physics was the discovery of the electron in 1897 by J.J. Thomson. Thomson's experiments with cathode ray tubes revealed that electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus in circular paths. This discovery laid the foundation for modern atomic theory and paved the way for the development of quantum mechanics, which is the branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Another important breakthrough in subatomic physics was the discovery of the neutron in 1932 by Ernest Rutherford. Rutherford's experiments with alpha particles showed that atoms are not indivisible, as previously believed. Instead, he discovered that atoms are composed of a nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons. The discovery of the neutron provided a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the structure of atoms and the nature of nuclear reactions.

In the field of quantum mechanics, one of the most significant discoveries was the wave-particle duality concept, proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905. This concept states that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, depending on the context. This breakthrough led to the development of the Standard Model of particle physics, which describes the behavior of all known particles and their interactions.

Another important development in quantum mechanics was the discovery of quantum entanglement, which occurs when two particles become intertwined in such a way that their states cannot be described independently of each other. Quantum entanglement has many applications in fields such as quantum computing, cryptography, and quantum communication, and it has been the subject of much research and speculation.

In recent years, subatomic physics has also made significant strides in the field of cosmology. The study of the early universe, known as cosmology, aims to understand the origin and evolution of the universe. Subatomic physics has played a crucial role in this field by providing insights into the behavior of matter and energy at the very early stages of the universe.

One of the most significant discoveries in cosmology was the discovery of dark matter and dark energy, which make up the majority of the universe. Dark matter is a mysterious substance that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, but it exerts a gravitational pull on other matter. Dark energy is a mysterious force that causes the expansion of the universe to accelerate.

Subatomic physics has also provided insights into the behavior of black holes, which are regions of space where gravity is so strong that nothing, including light, can escape. Black holes are theorized to be the remnants of massive stars that have died in supernovae, and they have been observed by astronomers using telescopes and other instruments.

In conclusion, subatomic physics is a fascinating field of study that has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe. From the discovery of the electron and neutron to the development of quantum mechanics and cosmology, subatomic physics has provided us with a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy. While there are still many mysteries to be solved in this field, the ongoing research and discoveries in subatomic physics have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.

Subatomic physics is a captivating field of study that delves into the realm of the very building blocks of matter and energy. It encompasses a wide range of topics, from the fundamental properties of atoms and molecules to the complex interactions between particles and their environment. In this comprehensive overview, we will focus on some of the major breakthroughs, disruptive ideas, and unexpected results that have emerged in subatomic physics over the years.

At the heart of subatomic physics is the study of atoms, which are the smallest units of matter that can be divided into smaller particles. Atoms are composed of three fundamental particles: protons, electrons, and neutrons. Protons and neutrons are held together by the strong nuclear force, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in specific energy levels.

One of the most significant breakthroughs in subatomic physics was the discovery of the electron in 1897 by J.J. Thomson. Thomson's experiments with cathode ray tubes revealed that electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit around the nucleus in circular paths. This discovery laid the foundation for modern atomic theory and paved the way for the development of quantum mechanics, which is the branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Another important breakthrough in subatomic physics was the discovery of the neutron in 1932 by Ernest Rutherford. Rutherford's experiments with alpha particles showed that atoms are not indivisible, as previously believed. Instead, he discovered that atoms are composed of a nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons. The discovery of the neutron provided a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the structure of atoms and the nature of nuclear reactions.

In the field of quantum mechanics, one of the most significant discoveries was the wave-particle duality concept, proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905. This concept states that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, depending on the context. This breakthrough led to the development of the Standard Model of particle physics, which describes the behavior of all known particles and their interactions.

Another important development in quantum mechanics was the discovery of quantum entanglement, which occurs when two particles become intertwined in such a way that their states cannot be described independently of each other. Quantum entanglement has many applications in fields such as quantum computing, cryptography, and quantum communication, and it has been the subject of much research and speculation.

In recent years, subatomic physics has also made significant strides in the field of cosmology. The study of the early universe, known as cosmology, aims to understand the origin and evolution of the universe. Subatomic physics has played a crucial role in this field by providing insights into the behavior of matter and energy at the very early stages of the universe.

One of the most significant discoveries in cosmology was the discovery of dark matter and dark energy, which make up the majority of the universe. Dark matter is a mysterious substance that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, but it exerts a gravitational pull on other matter. Dark energy is a mysterious force that causes the expansion of the universe to accelerate.

Subatomic physics has also provided insights into the behavior of black holes, which are regions of space where gravity is so strong that nothing, including light, can escape. Black holes are theorized to be the remnants of massive stars that have died in supernovae, and they have been observed by astronomers using telescopes and other instruments.

In conclusion, subatomic physics is a fascinating field of study that has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe. From the discovery of the electron and neutron to the development of quantum mechanics and cosmology, subatomic physics has provided us with a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy. While there are still many mysteries to be solved in this field, the ongoing research and discoveries in subatomic physics have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.

\n Weight: 482g\n
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367347239\n \n