This discussion focuses on resources and strategies for an 8th grader motivated to learn particle physics. Key recommendations include starting with the Standard Model and Particle Physics via the Wikipedia article, and understanding Particle Accelerators through another Wikipedia resource. Additionally, foundational topics such as Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics are emphasized as essential precursors to studying particle physics. The conversation highlights the distinction between theoretical and experimental physics, guiding the learner towards a theoretical focus.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for students, particularly middle schoolers, aspiring theoretical physicists, educators seeking teaching resources, and anyone interested in foundational concepts of particle physics.
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). Math and physics come to mind as study areas.. You can start with this introductory article about the Standard Model and Particle Physics:Massigamer said:
TheoriticianBvU said:Hello @Massigamer ,
Hard to say in this early stage ( I googled around 14 years for eight grade -- PF and PP are very international
What does your teacher come up with when asked this ?
You could start with googling around (e.g. at CERN).
Note that HEP physicists can be theoriticians as well as experimentalists. What's your preference ?
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Allright! You have your work cut out for you:Massigamer said:Theoritician
Start with Special Relativity. E.g.Massigamer said:
It would be helpful if you would discuss why you are highly motivated to learn particle physics. Since particle physics is a special field within physics, you would first need to learn some physics.Massigamer said:
I remember a similar motivation from when I was in high school. I'd heard the (now obviously wrong) pop-sci concept back then about how atoms could be like little solar systems with electrons orbiting around sun nuclei, and how the particles that made up the electrons and nuclei could be even smaller solar systems, with turtles all the way down... That motivated me to do some reading about the elementary particles known at that time (mid-70's), which was a real eye-opener. No more turtles...CrysPhys said:
