Looking for a book to understand physics theories

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a comprehensive book that explores current theories of physics and their fundamental interactions. Participants express a desire for a resource that connects various branches of theoretical physics rather than focusing on specific areas in isolation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a book that provides an overview of the connections between different theories in physics and their associated fundamental interactions.
  • Another participant questions the initial poster's confusion given their background in physics and the availability of resources online.
  • Several participants suggest specific titles, including Griffiths' "Introduction to Elementary Particles," which is noted as more focused on particle physics.
  • A participant mentions "A Unified Grand Tour of Theoretical Physics" by Lawrie as a potential fit for the request.
  • Additional recommendations include "100 Years of Fundamental Theoretical Physics in the Palm of Your Hand" by Manoukian, Walecka’s series on modern physics, and Weinberg’s new book.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for a book that explains the relationships between theories, such as quantum chromodynamics and quantum physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on what constitutes a suitable book for the original request. While some suggest specific titles, there is no consensus on a single resource that meets all the criteria outlined by the original poster.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the compartmentalized nature of physics education and the challenge of finding a cohesive overview of the field. Participants acknowledge the complexity of linking various theories and interactions.

The Moon Gauge
Messages
22
Reaction score
10
Hi,
I am looking for a book exploring the current theories of physics and their fundamental interactions. As we know, each fundamental theory is associated to a specific interaction. I wish to explore this tree of theories and see their links.
Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
From your other threads, I think you already have a Master's degree in Physics and are applying to PhD programs now, right? What books have you found so far that fit this request?
 
So far I have not found such a book. I studied each branch of theoretical physics and the fundamental interactions in a quite compartmentalized way. I had a module on subatomic physics with one professor, another module in quantum physics with a different professor and some classes in optics (which theory is covering this area by the way?). So, didn't get the chance to get the bigger picture and I would like to have a clear perspective on these various theories before starting in academia.
 
  • Skeptical
Likes   Reactions: PeroK
The Moon Gauge said:
So far I have not found such a book. I studied each branch of theoretical physics and the fundamental interactions in a quite compartmentalized way. I had a module on subatomic physics with one professor, another module in quantum physics with a different professor and some classes in optics (which theory is covering this area by the way?). So, didn't get the chance to get the bigger picture and I would like to have a clear perspective on these various theories before starting in academia.
With a degree in physics and the great resources of the Internet at your disposal, how can you be so helplessly confused?
 
Yes that can sound paradoxical but as a mentionned everything was taught in a compartmentalized way. Also, it is precisely because there are so many different resources online that I posted in this forum to ask about such a "reference book".
 
The Moon Gauge said:
Yes that can sound paradoxical but as a mentionned everything was taught in a compartmentalized way. Also, it is precisely because there are so many different resources online that I posted in this forum to ask about such a "reference book".
There's always Griffiths Introduction to Elementary Particles?

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9783527618460

That's a standard textbook.
 
Thank you for this suggestion. From what I have seen it is more of a typical physics book focusing on particles physics. I was more looking for a book containing an overview of the tree linking all current theories in physics with their fundamental interactions rather than exploring one specific branch on physics.
 
The Moon Gauge said:
I was more looking for a book containing an overview of the tree linking all current theories in physics with their fundamental interactions
What does that even mean? There's the map of physics:

 
What about "A Unified Grand Tour of Theoretical Physics" by Lawrie?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: atyy, Demystifier, Frabjous and 2 others
  • #10
Thank you George, that's the kind of book I am looking for:partytime:
You are right PeroK, I have not made myself clear enough perhaps. Basically, I am looking for the map of physics (more fundamental than theoretical) but in a book describing all the fundamental theories/sub-theories and their associated forces...For instance, quantum chromodynamics is one theory describing the strong interaction. I would like the book to explain this and to detail where does quantum chromodynamics stands with respects to quantum physics. Basically all the stuff that we don't learn in details during a physics degree.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: atyy and Delta2
  • #11
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Viishnuuu, vanhees71, Demystifier and 1 other person
  • #13
Thank you caz & Demystifier 👏
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Viishnuuu, Demystifier, Frabjous and 1 other person

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K