subatomic physics

[...]... mechanics was forced on physics because of otherwise unexplained properties of atoms and solids It is therefore not surprising that subatomic physics also requires quantum mechanics for its description Indeed the existence of quantum levels and the occurrence of interference phenomena in subatomic physics make it clear that quantum phenomena occur But will the knowledge gained from atomic physics be sufficient?... Weisskopf The exploration of subatomic physics started in 1896 with Becquerel’s discovery of radioactivity; since then it has been a constant source of surprises, unexpected phenomena, and fresh insights into the laws of nature In this first chapter we shall describe the orders of magnitude encountered in subatomic physics, define our units, and introduce the language needed for studying subatomic phenomena 1.1... some important tools subatomic June 7, 2007 9:31 System book.cls (from author) — Trim Size for 9.75in x 6.5in This page intentionally left blank subatomic June 7, 2007 9:31 System book.cls (from author) — Trim Size for 9.75in x 6.5in subatomic Chapter 2 Accelerators 2.1 Why Accelerators? Accelerators cost a lot of money What can they do? Why are they crucial for studying subatomic physics? As we proceed... book.cls (from author) — Trim Size for 9.75in x 6.5in Preface to the First Edition physics is involved in astrophysics The level of presentation is aimed at the senior undergraduate or first-year graduate student who has some understanding of electromagnetism, special relativity, and quantum theory While many aspects of subatomic physics can be elucidated by hand waving and analogies, a proper understanding... Magnitude Subatomic physics is distinguished from all other sciences by one feature: it is the playground of three different interactions, and two of them act only when the objects are very close together Biology, chemistry, and atomic and solid-state physics are dominated by the long-range electromagnetic force Phenomena in the universe are ruled by two long-range forces, gravity and electromagnetism Subatomic. .. Thorne, Black Holes and Time Warps: Einstein’s outrageous legacy, W.W Norton, New York, 1994 S Weinberg, The Discovery of Subatomic Particles, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, New York, 2003 subatomic June 7, 2007 9:31 System book.cls (from author) — Trim Size for 9.75in x 6.5in subatomic Contents Dedication v Acknowledgments vii Preface to the First Edition ix Preface to the Third Edition xi General... to explore the physical consequences Some more difficult parts will be denoted with bullets (•); these parts can be omitted on first reading subatomic June 7, 2007 9:31 System book.cls (from author) — Trim Size for 9.75in x 6.5in Preface to the Third Edition Subatomic Physics has continued to make rapid strides since the 2nd Edition was published in 1991 (by Prentice-Hall) New particles have been found;... Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, NJ, 1999 Modern Physics P.A Tipler and R.A Llewellyn, Modern Physics, 4th edition, W.H Freeman and Co., New York, 2002 This book gives most of the needed background in special relativity, quantum mechanics, and atomic theory An alternative is R Eisberg, R Resnick, Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles, John Wiley &... Size for 9.75in x 6.5in 1.3 Special Relativity, Feynman Diagrams where γ= subatomic 5 1 , (1 − β 2 )1/2 β= v c (1.6) Momentum and velocity are connected by the relation p = mγv (1.7) Squaring this expression and using Eqs (1.2) and (1.6) yields β≡ pc v = c E (1.8) As one application of the Lorentz transformation to subatomic physics, consider the muon, a particle that we shall encounter often It is... Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005 R.P Feynman, R.B Leighton, and M Sands, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1965 Mathematical Physics G.B Arfken and H.J Weber, Mathematical Methods of Physicists, 5th edition, Harcourt Acad Press, San Diego (2001); or J Mathews and R.L Walker, Mathematical Methods of Physics, Benjamin Reading, MA, 1964, 1970, are easy-to-read books that cover the mathematical . 9HE Printed in Singapore. SUBATOMIC PHYSICS (3rd Edition) Ian - Subatomic Physics. pmd 6/6/2007, 1:51 PM1 June 7, 2007 9:31 System book.cls (from author) — Trim Size for 9.75in x 6.5in subatomic To Elaine. 9:31 System book.cls (from author) — Trim Size for 9.75in x 6.5in subatomic Preface to the First Edition Subatomic Physics, the physics of nuclei and particles, has been one of the frontiers of. and electromagnetic forces may be intimately related, subatomic physics has enriched science with new concepts and deeper insights into the laws of nature. Subatomic Physics does not stand isolated; it bears