The best elementary book to study Particle physics

In summary, there are several book recommendations for studying particle physics on your own, including "Introduction to Elementary Particles" by David Griffiths, "An Introduction to the Standard Model of Particle Physics" by W. N. Cottingham and D. A. Greenwood, "Facts and Mysteries in Elementary Particle Physics" by Veltman, "The New Cosmic Onion" by Close, and "The God Particle" by Lederman. These books have varying levels of technicality, so it is recommended to have a background in electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and special relativity before diving into Griffiths' book. Other recommendations include books by Michio Kaku, Sean Carroll, and Brian Greene.
  • #1
sam_physics
5
0
I am looking forward to study Particle physics on my own. Can someone suggest me a book which I can read and understand by myself?
 
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  • #2
What is your physics background?
 
  • #3
i am an undergraduate student. have read classical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
 
  • #5
I like very much the two books George Jones suggested. Other possibilities include : "Facts and mysteries in elementary particle physics" by Veltman (world scientific 2003). It is informal, contains quite some historical anecdotes and is thus very pleasant to read.

There is a new editon of Close's classic book called "The new cosmic onion, quarks and the Nature of the Universe" (Taylor & Francis 2007) which is similar in spirit.

By increasing order of slightly more technical, there are other classics, I sample here a few :
"Modern elementary particle physics" Gordon Kane (Addison Wesley 1993)
"Quarks and leptons, an introductory course in modern particle physics" Halzen & Martin (John Wiley 1984)
"Gauge theories in particle physics" Aitchison & Hey (IOP 2003)
"Introduction to high energy physics" Perkins (Cambridge 2000 4th edition)
"An introduction to relativistic processes and the standard model of electroweak interactions" Becchi & Ridolfi (Springer-Verlag 2006)
"Electroweak theory" Paschos (Cambridge 2007)
 
  • #6
Griffith for sure. The book is a gem.
 
  • #7
Another vote for Griffiths.
 
  • #8
Griffiths!
 
  • #9
Particle physics also interests me. The Griffith book looks really good, but I am not sure whether I am ready for it or not. I am an undergrad and have only taken mechanics, E&M, and some optic/relativity.

Are there any "pre-req" books I should read before this one?
 
  • #10
Andrewjh07 said:
Particle physics also interests me. The Griffith book looks really good, but I am not sure whether I am ready for it or not. I am an undergrad and have only taken mechanics, E&M, and some optic/relativity.

Are there any "pre-req" books I should read before this one?

From the preface to Griffiths
The students typically had under their belts a semester of electromagnetism (at the level of Lorrain and Corson), a semester of quantum mechanics (at the level of Park), and a fairly strong background in special relativity.
 
  • #11
Can someone give me the titles of a few books for introductory elementary particle physics? I'm in 10th grade, and all the ones listed seem a bit advanced.
 
  • #12
Anonymous23 said:
Can someone give me the titles of a few books for introductory elementary particle physics? I'm in 10th grade, and all the ones listed seem a bit advanced.

I'd recommend the Veltman book mentioned earlier.
 
  • #13
Book recommendation

I enjoyed reading some of Michio Kaku's books, and I recently read The Particle at the End of the Universe, by Sean Carroll. I am currently reading The Fabric of the Cosmos, by Brian Greene. I am in 8th grade and could comprehend these books. Hope this helps.
 
  • #14
I liked Lederman's "The God Particle" very much. Don't be mislead by the title, it's a really good popular-science book on particle physics.
 
  • #15
Griffiths' one is an easy read!
 

What is particle physics?

Particle physics is a branch of physics that studies the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their interactions.

Why is studying particle physics important?

Studying particle physics helps us understand the fundamental laws of nature and how the universe works on a microscopic level. This knowledge has practical applications in fields such as technology, medicine, and energy production.

What is the best elementary book to study particle physics?

The best elementary book to study particle physics will vary depending on the individual's background and learning preferences. Some popular options include "Introduction to Elementary Particles" by David Griffiths and "Particle Physics: A Beginner's Guide" by Brian R. Martin.

Do I need a background in physics to study particle physics?

While a basic understanding of physics can be helpful, it is not necessary to have a background in physics to study particle physics. Many introductory books on the subject are designed for beginners with little to no prior knowledge.

Are there any practical experiments or activities included in the book?

Some elementary books on particle physics may include practical experiments or activities to help readers understand the concepts better. However, these may require specialized equipment or materials and are not always included in every book.

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