The Ideas of Particle Physics: An Introduction for Scientists [Paperback]

G. D. Coughlan (Author), J. E. Dodd (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521386772 | ISBN-13: 978-0521386777 | Publication Date: November 29, 1991 | Edition: 2

This is the second edition of a book that has already been well received as a clear and readable introduction to particle physics. It bridges the gap between traditional textbooks on the subject and the popular accounts which assume little or no background in the physical sciences on the part of the reader. The first edition has been carefully revised throughout to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this fascinating subject. There are also four completely new chapters covering quantum gravity, super-unification, the relationship between particle physics and cosmology, and superstrings. Historical developments are discussed, together with the most important recent experiments, and the theoretical development of the subject is traced from its foundations in relativity and quantum mechanics through to the very latest theories. The book is intended for anyone with a background in the physical sciences who wishes to learn about particle physics. It will also be of value to students of physics wishing to gain an introductory overview of the subject before getting down to the details of the formalism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Three completely new chapters covering quantum gravity, super-unification, and the relationship between particle physics and cosmology are included in this thoroughly revised introduction to the development of particle physics. -- Book Description

Book Description

This third edition is a readable introduction to the world of particle physics for anyone with a background in the physical sciences. It covers the important concepts from the foundations of quantum mechanics and relativity to the most recent particle discoveries and the formulation of modern string theory. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (November 29, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521386772
• ISBN-13: 978-0521386777
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,756,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Unever presentation ..., April 9, 2006

By 

G. Cantor "Base three" (Mill Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ideas of Particle Physics: An Introduction for Scientists (Paperback)

I cannot agree with many of the comments in earlier reviews of this book. To begin, the intended audience remains unclear. There is insufficient mathematics to get much of a feel for the topic and frequently the mathematical ideas which do appear fall from the sky with little or no warning. Even more troubling is that these concepts, crucial for any real understanding, are often left half done. This must leave many mathematically competent readers nonplussed and leave the mathematically challenged simply out in left field.

There are better, more modern, books out there for the technically inclined. This books is not even close to being "the best physics book ever".

Look at a library copy before buying.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars for physicists outside particle physics, July 18, 2005

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Ideas of Particle Physics: An Introduction for Scientists (Paperback)

I knew one of the authors (Coughlan) when we were undergraduates at the University of Western Australia. So it was with some interest that I went through this book. While I can't tell which was his contribution and which was the other author's, the combined effort is an elegant rendition of particle physics, circa late 1980s.

A merit of the book is who it is pitched at. It is not really for a generalist outside physics. Rather, it seems best suited for the physicist (student or not) who is not in particle physics. Non-physicists may be surprised at this, but particle physics can seem strange and forbidding even to physicists. The text gives enough detailed physics to satisfy a physicist; that he is indeed getting enough of the real stuff to gain insight.

While the title does say it is for scientists, I wonder a little about how accessible the book might be to a typical chemist or geologist.

17 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best particle physics book! ever, May 4, 2000

By 

Toby Wheldon - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ideas of Particle Physics: An Introduction for Scientists (Paperback)

This is such an up to date and accurate book I have never read a book that explains particle physics in such detail yet keeps the information understandable. If your are just starting out in particle physics read this book. It's brilliant!