How much chemistry demanding particle physics is?

[2sin54]

As title says, how much chemistry would I need at the beginning of university level particle physics? If I decided to study it, would the fact that I don't have chemistry in my A levels could be a problem?

 

[e.bar.goum]

... None? It's particle physics, not chemistry.

ETA: I mean, obviously you need to know what a photon, proton, neutron and an electron are. You also need to know what a nucleus is. But that's strictly speaking, nuclear physics, rather than chemistry. Chemistry is orders of magnitude too "big" for particle physics.

 

[cgk]

If you are interested in experimental physics, in particular if you plan to work on beam lines and detectors, you might want to learn some chemistry. Note that experimental equipment contains lots of stuff you are not familiar with from everyday life.
At the very least, you need to know which materials are toxic or otherwise dangerous, and treat them accordingly. The way some physicists handle beryllium windows, for example, is absolutely mind-blowing.

 

[Vanadium 50]

First, about the thread title: you must learn to speak like Yoda not. Like it or not, you by your English people judge. Yes, hmmm.

Yes it is true that chemistry is not physics and it is not directly applicable. However, the fact that I had previously studied chemistry made certain things clearer when I was learning the physics.

 

[Matrix0]

I can confidently say that chemistry plays a crucial role in the field of particle physics. In fact, many of the fundamental concepts and principles in particle physics are rooted in chemistry. Therefore, having a solid understanding of chemistry is essential for studying particle physics at the university level.

While it is not a requirement to have taken chemistry in your A levels to study particle physics, it may put you at a disadvantage in the beginning. This is because chemistry provides a strong foundation for understanding the behavior of particles and their interactions. It also introduces important concepts such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, and thermodynamics, which are all relevant to particle physics.

However, if you are passionate about studying particle physics, you can still excel in the field without prior knowledge of chemistry. You may need to put in extra effort to catch up on the necessary concepts, but with dedication and hard work, you can succeed.

In conclusion, a strong understanding of chemistry is crucial for studying particle physics at the university level. While not having prior knowledge of chemistry may pose a challenge, it should not deter you from pursuing your interest in this fascinating field. With determination and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacles and excel in your studies of particle physics.