Particle Physics Book for Beginners

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on recommendations for beginner-friendly particle physics books. Key suggestions include "The Charm of Strange Quarks: Mysteries and Revolutions of Particle Physics," "Hydrogen: The Essential Element," and "The Elegant Universe." Participants emphasize the importance of considering one's background in mathematics and physics, particularly knowledge of quantum mechanics and relativity, when selecting a book. Additional recommendations include "The End of Physics" by David Lindley and "Griffiths, Introductory to Elementary Particles" for those with a more academic focus. Resources like the Particle Adventure website and customer reviews on platforms like Amazon are mentioned as helpful for gaining insights into book content. For those lacking a solid foundation in quantum mechanics or quantum field theory, exploring introductory texts and threads in specialized forums is advised.
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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