The best elementary book to study Particle physics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for introductory books on particle physics suitable for self-study. Participants share various titles and express opinions on their accessibility and content, addressing different levels of prior knowledge and experience in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks suggestions for books on particle physics for self-study.
  • Another participant inquires about the original poster's physics background to tailor recommendations.
  • Several participants recommend "Introduction to Elementary Particles" by David Griffiths, highlighting its quality.
  • Additional suggestions include "An Introduction to the Standard Model of Particle Physics" by Cottingham and Greenwood, and "Facts and Mysteries in Elementary Particle Physics" by Veltman, noted for its informal style and historical anecdotes.
  • Other titles mentioned include "The New Cosmic Onion" by Close, "Modern Elementary Particle Physics" by Kane, and "Quarks and Leptons" by Halzen & Martin, among others, with varying levels of technicality.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about their readiness for Griffiths' book, asking for prerequisite materials or recommendations.
  • A participant in 10th grade requests simpler introductory books, indicating that the previously suggested titles may be too advanced.
  • Recommendations for more accessible reads include works by Michio Kaku, Sean Carroll, and Brian Greene, as well as "The God Particle" by Lederman, which is described as a good popular-science book.
  • Griffiths' book is consistently described as an easy read by multiple participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a general consensus on the quality of Griffiths' book, with multiple participants endorsing it. However, there is no agreement on a single best book for all levels, as participants express differing opinions on the appropriateness of various titles based on their backgrounds and needs.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific prerequisites for understanding Griffiths' book, suggesting a need for a solid foundation in electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. The discussion reflects a range of educational backgrounds, from high school to undergraduate levels, which influences the recommendations provided.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students at various educational levels seeking to explore particle physics through self-study, as well as educators looking for book recommendations for their students.

sam_physics
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
863
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K