Particle Physics: A Very Short Introduction

by Close, Frank

• ISBN13: 9780192804341
• ISBN10: 0192804340
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-07-29
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Here, Frank Close provides a compelling and lively introduction to the fundamental particles that make up the universe. The book begins with a guide to what matter is made up of and how it evolved, and goes on to describe the fascinating techniques used to study it. The author discusses particles such as quarks, electrons, and the neutrino, and exotic matter and antimatter. He also investigates the forces of nature, accelerators and detectors, and the intriguing future of particle physics.

Author Biography

Frank Close is a fellow of Exeter College, Oxford, and Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College, London. He has published several books, including the bestselling Lucifer's Legacy, and was the winner of the Kelvin Medal of the Institute of Physics.

Table of Contents

Foreword	viii
List of illustrations and tables	x
Journey to the centre of the universe	1	(11)
How big and small are big and small?	12	(10)
How we learn what things are made of, and what we found	22	(12)
The heart of the matter	34	(12)
Accelerators: cosmic and manmade	46	(16)
Detectors: cameras and time machines	62	(19)
The forces of Nature	81	(11)
Exotic matter (and antimatter)	92	(14)
Where has matter come from?	106	(10)
Questions for the 21st century	116	(15)
Further reading	131	(2)
Glossary	133	(6)
Index	139