Particle Physics Book for Beginners

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around recommendations for beginner-level books on particle physics. Participants share various titles and resources, considering different backgrounds and preferences in their suggestions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recommend "The Charm of Strange Quarks: Mysteries and Revolutions of Particle Physics" and "Hydrogen: The Essential Element" as suitable for beginners.
  • Others mention "The Elegant Universe" as an enjoyable read for those new to the subject.
  • One participant suggests "The End of Physics" by David Lindley as a personal favorite.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of background knowledge, asking about the reader's math and physics experience before making recommendations.
  • Some participants mention using "Griffiths, Introductory to Elementary Particles" during their undergraduate studies.
  • A participant suggests visiting the "Particle Adventure" website for additional resources.
  • One participant advises checking out the "elementary particles presented thread" in the PF-nuclei-subforum for more introductory texts and websites.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on suitable books, indicating that there is no consensus on a single best choice for beginners. Recommendations vary based on individual backgrounds and preferences.

Contextual Notes

Some recommendations depend on the reader's prior knowledge of quantum mechanics and relativity, which may influence the suitability of certain texts.

Lisa!
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What's the best particle physics book for a bigginer?

Thanks.
 
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Lisa,
I think your best bet would be The Charm of Strange Quarks: Mysteries and Revolutions of Particle Physics. After that, I'd say Hydrogen: The Essential Element. If you haven't read it, The Elegant Universe is fun too. I hope this helped!
 
Well Lisa!,
This matches Marlon's field of interest. :biggrin:
Let's see what he advices to you/
Till yet i have only studied Arthur Baiser but enjoyed it.
 
Lisa! said:
What's the best particle physics book for a bigginer?

Depends on your background. What math have you studied? Have you studied quantum mechanics yet? Or relativity?
 
My background? BS in physics!

Scarborm said:
Lisa,
I think your best bet would be The Charm of Strange Quarks: Mysteries and Revolutions of Particle Physics. After that, I'd say Hydrogen: The Essential Element. If you haven't read it, The Elegant Universe is fun too. I hope this helped!
Thanks.
 
My personal favorite is The End of Physics by David Lindley.

If you want to see some book review you can go to



Also, at amazon you can see reviews on other recommended books. However, I wouldn't suggest basing your decisions too much on customer reviews. I just read them to get insight into the books content.
 
oooo go to the PARTICLE ADVENTURE WEBSITE...its really good...
 
Lisa! said:
My background? BS in physics!

I used: Griffiths, Introductory to elementary particles, for my course in elementary particles (undergraduate).

If you're into something more fun try this: http://pdg.lbl.gov/quarkdance/ . And be sure to turn on your speakers. :biggrin:
 
Thanks everyone. :smile:
 
  • #10
If you do not have a solid QM, QFT-background i suggest you start looking at the "elementary particles presented thread" at our very own PF-nuclei-subforum.

It will provide you with lots of intro texts and websites

marlon
 

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