The best elementary book to study Particle physics

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For those interested in studying particle physics independently, "Introduction to Elementary Particles" by David Griffiths is highly recommended, especially for undergraduates with a background in classical mechanics and quantum mechanics. Another strong suggestion is "An Introduction to the Standard Model of Particle Physics" by Cottingham and Greenwood, which offers a different style. Additional options include Veltman's "Facts and Mysteries in Elementary Particle Physics" for a more informal approach and Close's "The New Cosmic Onion" for a similar spirit. For younger students, books like "The God Particle" by Lederman and works by Michio Kaku and Sean Carroll are accessible and engaging. Overall, Griffiths' book is considered a gem for those ready to delve into the subject.
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I am looking forward to study Particle physics on my own. Can someone suggest me a book which I can read and understand by myself?
 
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What is your physics background?
 
i am an undergraduate student. have read classical mechanics and quantum mechanics.
 
I like very much the two books George Jones suggested. Other possibilities include : "Facts and mysteries in elementary particle physics" by Veltman (world scientific 2003). It is informal, contains quite some historical anecdotes and is thus very pleasant to read.

There is a new editon of Close's classic book called "The new cosmic onion, quarks and the Nature of the Universe" (Taylor & Francis 2007) which is similar in spirit.

By increasing order of slightly more technical, there are other classics, I sample here a few :
"Modern elementary particle physics" Gordon Kane (Addison Wesley 1993)
"Quarks and leptons, an introductory course in modern particle physics" Halzen & Martin (John Wiley 1984)
"Gauge theories in particle physics" Aitchison & Hey (IOP 2003)
"Introduction to high energy physics" Perkins (Cambridge 2000 4th edition)
"An introduction to relativistic processes and the standard model of electroweak interactions" Becchi & Ridolfi (Springer-Verlag 2006)
"Electroweak theory" Paschos (Cambridge 2007)
 
Griffith for sure. The book is a gem.
 
Another vote for Griffiths.
 
Griffiths!
 
Particle physics also interests me. The Griffith book looks really good, but I am not sure whether I am ready for it or not. I am an undergrad and have only taken mechanics, E&M, and some optic/relativity.

Are there any "pre-req" books I should read before this one?
 
  • #10
Andrewjh07 said:
Particle physics also interests me. The Griffith book looks really good, but I am not sure whether I am ready for it or not. I am an undergrad and have only taken mechanics, E&M, and some optic/relativity.

Are there any "pre-req" books I should read before this one?

From the preface to Griffiths
The students typically had under their belts a semester of electromagnetism (at the level of Lorrain and Corson), a semester of quantum mechanics (at the level of Park), and a fairly strong background in special relativity.
 
  • #11
Can someone give me the titles of a few books for introductory elementary particle physics? I'm in 10th grade, and all the ones listed seem a bit advanced.
 
  • #12
Anonymous23 said:
Can someone give me the titles of a few books for introductory elementary particle physics? I'm in 10th grade, and all the ones listed seem a bit advanced.

I'd recommend the Veltman book mentioned earlier.
 
  • #13
Book recommendation

I enjoyed reading some of Michio Kaku's books, and I recently read The Particle at the End of the Universe, by Sean Carroll. I am currently reading The Fabric of the Cosmos, by Brian Greene. I am in 8th grade and could comprehend these books. Hope this helps.
 
  • #14
I liked Lederman's "The God Particle" very much. Don't be mislead by the title, it's a really good popular-science book on particle physics.
 
  • #15
Griffiths' one is an easy read!
 
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