Understand the mathematics of particle physics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical knowledge required to understand particle physics. Participants explore the foundational mathematics and physics concepts necessary for grasping the complexities of the field, including both theoretical and practical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn about particle physics from the ground up, citing an interest sparked by Nobel Prize winners and the philosophical implications of the field.
  • Another participant inquires about the newcomer’s experience with calculus, suggesting it as a foundational topic.
  • A later reply outlines a range of mathematical topics deemed essential for understanding particle physics, including multivariable calculus, differential equations, partial differential equations, linear algebra, group theory, and complex variables, while also emphasizing the importance of classical physics and basic quantum mechanics.
  • It is noted that a significant amount of quantum mechanics is typically required before advancing to field theory courses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of a strong mathematical foundation for understanding particle physics, but there is no consensus on the specific path or depth of knowledge required.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the varying levels of mathematical proficiency among participants and the potential for differing educational backgrounds in physics and mathematics.

esash
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
hello everybody.. I'm new member of this forum.. i would like to know what kind of mathematics knowledge is required to understand the mathematics of particle physics? because, i can't understand any math done in classical physics, particle pysics. i interpret particle physics as the study of sub atomic particles by colliding them with other particles using accelerators. i first got introduced to it when i read the article in the papar about the 2004, physics nobel prize winners, and i found it interesting. i further made particle physics the ambition in my life when i read the words said by Dr. Leon Lederman that, it is in this field of physics we try hard to probe the origin of our lives, who we are and how we came about on this earth, and so on. i seriously felt the urge to find out more about our origin. i would be grateful if anyone help me understand this subject right from the scratch.
thank you :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you done calculus yet?
 


malawi_glenn said:
Have you done calculus yet?
yes.. a bit.. :)
 


in order to understand particle physicsin all of its glory your oing to have to master multivariable calculus, differential equations, partial differential equations, linear algebra, group theory, and complex variables (only a wee bit though)

however your also goin to need knowlegde of classical physics and basic quantum mechanics.

so for starters

mechanics, E&M, and lots of quantum mechanics (at my school its effectively 2 years of quantum mechanics to build up to the field theory courses).
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
35
Views
6K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
Replies
41
Views
9K
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
11K