The Standard Model in a Nutshell

Book excerpt: A concise and authoritative introduction to one of the central theories of modern physics For a theory as genuinely elegant as the Standard Model—the current framework describing elementary particles and their forces—it can sometimes appear to students to be little more than a complicated collection of particles and ranked list of interactions. The Standard Model in a Nutshell provides a comprehensive and uncommonly accessible introduction to one of the most important subjects in modern physics, revealing why, despite initial appearances, the entire framework really is as elegant as physicists say. Dave Goldberg uses a "just-in-time" approach to instruction that enables students to gradually develop a deep understanding of the Standard Model even if this is their first exposure to it. He covers everything from relativity, group theory, and relativistic quantum mechanics to the Higgs boson, unification schemes, and physics beyond the Standard Model. The book also looks at new avenues of research that could answer still-unresolved questions and features numerous worked examples, helpful illustrations, and more than 120 exercises. Provides an essential introduction to the Standard Model for graduate students and advanced undergraduates across the physical sciences Requires no more than an undergraduate-level exposure to quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, and electromagnetism Uses a "just-in-time" approach to topics such as group theory, relativity, classical fields, Feynman diagrams, and quantum field theory Couched in a conversational tone to make reading and learning easier Ideal for a one-semester course or independent study Includes a wealth of examples, illustrations, and exercises Solutions manual (available only to professors)