Quarks, Leptons and Gauge Fields
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent
Quarks, Leptons and Gauge Fields
Kerson Huang
Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing Company
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Binding: Hardcover

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  1. Quarks and Leptons: An Introductory Course in Modern Particle Physics Quarks and Leptons: An Introductory Course in Modern Particle Physics
  2. Quantum Field Theory: From Operators to Path Integrals Quantum Field Theory: From Operators to Path Integrals
  3. Gauge Theories in Particle Physics, 2 Volume Set Gauge Theories in Particle Physics, 2 Volume Set
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ASIN: 9810206593

Book Description

This is perhaps the most up-to-date book on Modern Elementary Particle Physics. The main content is an introduction to Yang-Mills fields, and the Standard Model of Particle Physics. A concise introduction to quarks is provided, with a discussion of the representations of SU(3).

The Standard Model is presented in detail, including such topics as the Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix, chiral symmetry breaking, and the q-vacuum. Theoretical topics of a more general nature include path integrals, topological solitons, renormalization group, effective potentials, the axial anomaly, and lattice gauge theory.

This second edition, which has been expanded, incorporates the following new subjects: Wilson's renormalization scheme, and its relation to perturbative renormalization; pitfalls in quantizing gauge fields, such as the Gribov ambiguity; the lattice as a consistent regularization; Monte Carlo methods of solution; and the issues, folklores, and scenarios of quark confinement. More than a quarter of the book comprise of new materials.

This book may be used as a text for a one-semester course on advanced quantum field theory, or reference book for particle physicists.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent.......1998-04-23

This is by far one of the best introductory texts on this rapidly changing field. I especially enjoyed the lucid treatment of topological objects in quantum field theory. One of the most appealing qualities of the book was the author's concise, to-the-point style. Very recommendable.
Thermal Field Theory
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    Thermal Field Theory
    Michel Le Bellac
    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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    Binding: Paperback

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    3. Quark-Gluon Plasma (Cambridge Monographs on Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Cosmology) Quark-Gluon Plasma (Cambridge Monographs on Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Cosmology)
    4. Field Theory; The Renormalization Group and Critical Phenomena Field Theory; The Renormalization Group and Critical Phenomena
    5. The Quantum Theory of Fields The Quantum Theory of Fields

    ASIN: 0521654777

    Book Description

    This text introduces the theoretical framework for describing the quark-gluon plasma, an important new state of matter. The first part of the book is a self-contained introduction to relativistic thermal field theory. Topics include the path integral approach, the real and imaginary time formalisms, fermion fields and gauge fields at finite temperature. The author illustrates useful techniques such as the evaluation of frequency sums and the use of cutting rules. The second part of the book is devoted to recent developments, and gives a detailed account of collective excitations (bosonic and fermionic), showing how they give rise to energy scales that imply a reorganization of perturbation theory. The author also explains the relation with kinetic theory. He works out in detail applications to processes that occur in heavy ion collisions and in astrophysics. Each chapter ends with exercises and a guide to the literature. Graduate students and researchers in nuclear, particle, and astrophysics will benefit from this book.
    The Quantum Quark
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • A close look at quantum chromodynamics
    • QED to QCD for the serious & intent lay-reader
    The Quantum Quark
    Andrew Watson
    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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    Binding: Hardcover

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    3. Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions
    4. The Theory of Almost Everything: The Standard Model, the Unsung Triumph of Modern Physics The Theory of Almost Everything: The Standard Model, the Unsung Triumph of Modern Physics
    5. The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next

    ASIN: 0521829070

    Book Description

    Quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the theory explaining the strong nuclear force that binds together the components of the atomic nucleus, is one of the four fundamental forces of nature that control the universe in which we live. This absorbing book covers the ideas and stories behind QCD, the successes and the puzzles, the unsolved mysteries and the characters involved. The subject is discussed in an accessible and entertaining way, assuming only the minimum physics and mathematics background knowledge. It is a fascinating read for anyone interested in science and a solid introduction for students embarking on particle physics courses.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A close look at quantum chromodynamics .......2005-02-09

    The Quantum Quark is a close look at quantum chromodynamics that does not require an extensive mathematics or physics background of the reader. Freelance science journalist and regular contributor to "Science" magazine Andrew Watson explores such topics as the quantum world, "the gregarious gluon", quarks and hadrons, the true significance of the vacuum state, and much more. A handful of black-and-white diagrams and photographs illustrate this fascinating tour of scientific theory, recommended for anyone with even the most casual interest in understanding the fundamental particles composing the Universe.

    5 out of 5 stars QED to QCD for the serious & intent lay-reader.......2004-12-15

    The Quantum Quark by Andrew Watson

    In the preface, Watson explains his book "...focuses on quantum chromodynamics, the essentials of how it works and how it came into being." He goes on to say "At the modest cost of a complete story...The Quantum Quark explores QCD in more detail than all other books on particle physics intended for a wider readership." And finally assures the reader, "...this is a pleasant stroll through great ideas, and not a textbook." I agree on all accounts.

    Let me qualify to whom I think this book will attract.
    Some of us are deeply curious, intelligent & interested folks - actively seeking answers and doggedly pursuing the richness of fundamental physics at a readership that spans a range well past the "golly-gee!" pop-physics level (e.g. Hawking/Green) but striving, reaching, stretching on tip-toes below the University academic level with its rigorous mathematical quantification proofs and rules. While it is meant for a serious lay-reader and undeniably non-mathematical in its presentation, this is definitely not light reading. People who aren't afraid of becoming a little lost while navigating the figurative `forest through the trees' can have courage this book will guide them if they're patient and willing to be led. To be sure, the dedicated reader will aquire a nodding acquaintance with concepts of conservation laws, symmetries, gauge theory, and U(1) X SU(2) & SU(3) group theories (which ultimately account for and lie at the root of the most fundamental physical laws) and last, but not least, a good conceptual grip of QCD. A willingness to do some re-reading will bode you well. The trip can be somewhat heavy going with its deep, abstract and technical description of a fundamentally mathematical subject - but it is well worth the wear & tear on the intellectual soles of your mind. Ultimately, this is an account of humanity's pinnacle intellectual achievement.

    OK, so what have we got here?

    TABLE OF CONTENTS
    1 Introduction 1
    2 Symmetry 9
    3 The quantum world 19
    4 Toward QCD 110
    5 The one number of QCD 269
    6 The gregarious gluon 288
    7 Quarks and hadrons 305
    8 Quarks under the microscope 328
    9 Much ado about nothing 370
    10 Checkerboard QCD 391
    Appendix 1 A QCD chronology 413
    Appendix 2 Greek alphabet & SI prefixes 426

    The introduction does its job setting the scope of subjects: Quantum Electrodynamics (QED), the Electro-Weak force, and last, but principally, Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) a.k.a. the theory of the Strong Force. It brushes on experiments in high-energy physics that bring the constituents of the Standard Model to light.

    After the introduction, we're treated to a little history of the mathematicians and physicists who brought us Group Theory and a sketch of the properties of groups (i.e. identity element, closure, associativity & the inverse element). Descriptions and brief examples are given for O(2) orthogonal and SO(2) special orthogonal (abelian) transformations plus mention of associated dimensional 2x2 matrices; non-abelian SO(3) groups are discussed and the U(1)XSU(2) and SU(3) groups are revealed to be the fundamental abstract spaces of particle physics in a nutshell. Lie groups are briefly mentioned as well.

    The next major section, "The Quantum World", is my favorite material in this book. It starts with the fact that the measured magnetic moment anomaly of QED demonstrates its superior standing as the crown achievement of theoretical & experimental physics. Basic quantum mechanics topics are effectively covered:
    Energy quanta (Planck's constant h), wave phase & interference, Uncertainty Principle, Schrodinger, the principle of least action and Feynman's sum over paths.

    The elements quickly evolve in relative complexity and abstraction - ultimately leading towards a clearly developed connection between QED to QCD. The progression takes us through:
    mass-energy relations in Relativity, matter-antimatter pair production, Fermion and Boson spin & statistics and Pauli's Exclusion principle, quantum fields, the four-momentum, virtual particles, vacuum polarization, Green's functions, Feynman diagrams, vertex interactions, self-energy, infinite divergences, perturbation and renormalization program (dimensional regularization), effective low-energy field theory, Fermi's theory of weak interactions to Weinberg/Glashow/Salam and Veltman/t'Hooft Nobel prize winning contributions in the electroweak realm, and finally the all important gauge principle including the example of changes in potentials and changes in global vs. local phase.

    I'm now going to do the author a grave disservice by reviewing the remainder of the book in an all too brief summarization. The majority of the book plumbs the depths of QCD. Andrew brings us by the experimental facilities for a thorough inspection of the accelerators & detectors (BNL RHIC, Fermilab CDF, CERN-LEP, DESY, KEK-BELLE & SLAC). He gives complete coverage of the physicists responsible for its development and associated milestones. To name just a few of the many discussed in great detail: Yukawa - Isospin, mesons; Yang-Mills - CP violation, Gell-Man - the Eightfold Way; `the particle zoo', families, Quark-Gluon, flavordynamics, inelastic scattering, color charges; Nambu - spontaneous symmetry breaking; the Higgs mechanism & weak neutral currents; Gross, Wilczek & Politzer - Asymptotic Freedom.

    Watson judiciously included countless diagrams to illustrate important concepts and fundamental interactions plus many photographic pictures of physicists, experimental devices and facilities. The back of the book includes a good glossary and a nice annotated "Further reading" section that breaks suggested titles in easy reading, not-so-easy reading, and `hard core' sections.

    That's it. Altogether a serious undertaking - I hope you are challenged by it and thoroughly enjoy it as much as I have!

    p.s. I recommend these complementary books: "Deep Down Things" by Schumm; "The Force of Symmetry" by Icke; "Fearful Symmetry" by Zee; "Symmetry and the Beautiful Universe" by Lederman; and "Out of This World" by Webb. N.B. check out the reviews on these books, also browse the "So You'd Like To..." and "Listmania!" lists below to help decide which ones you might want to consider.
    Quarks, Gluons and Lattices (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Essential text for any student of lattice gauge theory
    • Lattice Field theory classic
    Quarks, Gluons and Lattices (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)
    Michael Creutz
    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    1. Quantum Fields on a Lattice (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) Quantum Fields on a Lattice (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)
    2. Introduction to Quantum Fields on a Lattice Introduction to Quantum Fields on a Lattice
    3. Quark-Gluon Plasma (Cambridge Monographs on Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Cosmology) Quark-Gluon Plasma (Cambridge Monographs on Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Cosmology)
    4. Lattice Gauge Theories: An Introduction (World Scientific Lecture Notes in Physics) Lattice Gauge Theories: An Introduction (World Scientific Lecture Notes in Physics)
    5. Finite-Temperature Field Theory: Principles and Applications (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) Finite-Temperature Field Theory: Principles and Applications (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)

    ASIN: 0521315352

    Book Description

    This book introduces the lattice approach to quantum field theory. The spectacular successes of this technique include compelling evidence that exchange of gauge gluons can confine the quarks within subnuclear matter. The lattice framework enables novel schemes for quantitative calculation and has caused considerable cross-disciplinary activity between elementary particle and solid state physicists. The treatment begins with the lattice definition of a path integral and ends on Monte Carlo simulation methods. Other topics include invariant group integration, duality, mean field theory and renormalization group techniques. The reader is assumed to have a basic background in relativistic quantum mechanics and some exposure to gauge theories.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Essential text for any student of lattice gauge theory.......2007-06-30

    This is a dated book (look at the copyright date). This is also an action-packed book. A simple comparison of the page count with (e.g.) Rothe's Lattice Gauge Theories will indicate that Cruetz's treatment is terse and dense. Yet it is surprisingly broad. Come prepared with a good understanding of QFT and statistical physics, and a willingness to supplement this text with others.

    The key point is that Creutz is still the definitive reference on LGT. If you already know LGT, then presumably you own this book.

    If you don't already know LGT and want to learn it, you should own this book, and probably Rothe as well (Rothe's treatment is much more explicit and easier to follow, if also much longer) or some other companion like Montvay/Munster or Smit. If you only want to buy one book on LGT, then (and only then) I would not suggest Creutz--you can find out the basics from hep-lat and (e.g.) Rothe.

    5 out of 5 stars Lattice Field theory classic.......2007-01-11

    While relatively hard to read and using
    some unique notation,
    this is a master work and a reference in
    quantum physics using Keneth G. Wilson's Lattice theory
    formulation to illuminate.
    The references have been very useful to me over the years as well.
    Fields, Symmetries, and Quarks
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Fields, Symmetries, and Quarks
      Ulrich Mosel
      Manufacturer: Springer
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

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      ASIN: 3540652353

      Book Description

      This textbook covers elements of quantum field theory, symmetry principles, gauge field theories and phenomenological descriptions of hadrons, with special emphasis on topics relevant to hadron and nuclear physics. Written at an introductory level, it is aimed at nuclear physicists in general and experimentalists in particular who need a working knowledge of field theory, symmetry principles of elementary particles and their interactions and the quark structure of hadrons. It will also be of benefit to graduate students who need an understanding of the basics of these topics for their work in other fields.
      A Story Of Light: A Short Introduction To Quantum Field Theory Of Quarks And Leptons
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Elegant description of QFT and fundamental issues.
      A Story Of Light: A Short Introduction To Quantum Field Theory Of Quarks And Leptons
      M. Y. Han
      Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing Company
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      Binding: Hardcover

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      2. Quantum Field Theory Quantum Field Theory
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      4. The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe
      5. Lie Groups, Lie Algebras, and Some of Their Applications Lie Groups, Lie Algebras, and Some of Their Applications

      ASIN: 9812560343

      Book Description

      This book presents the essential aspects of relativistic quantum field theory, with minimal use of mathematics. It covers the development of quantum field theory from the original quantization of electromagnetic field to the gauge field theory of interactions among quarks and leptons. Aimed at both scientists and non-specialists, it requires only some rudimentary knowledge of the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of Newtonian mechanics and a basic understanding of the special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Elegant description of QFT and fundamental issues........2005-06-07

      If you are an aficionado of popular physics and want to peer behind the curtains to see where some possible weaknesses have been swept under the rug, this is an excellent book. M.Y. Han has written an elegantly terse (107 pages) book which describes how Quantum Field Theory has evolved and been applied to Electrodynamics, the Weak Nuclear and Strong Nuclear force. To fully appreciate the book requires more education than a mere B.S. in physics which is the way the marketing description reads. Nonetheless, if you are an avid reader of Brian Greene, Steven Weinberg, and Gordon Kane, you will get a lot out of this little tome.

      Han shows how in the case of Quantum Electrodynamics that Quantum Field Theory has worked spectacularly well. Because of this, QFT has been extended and emulated to explain the Weak and Strong nuclear interactions despite little problems such as the lack of renormalization in the case of the Strong Force and the massive bosons in the case of the Weak Force. The title, "A Story of Light" alludes to the fact that QED has shown the way for the other forces of the Standard Model.

      Han raises the question whether this emulation is valid. For example, just because quantization of the electromagnetic field leads to photons, is it valid for all matter fields to be considered quanta of their own quantized field? Or is it valid to apply the "substitution rule" from classical electrodynamics to non-electrodynamic interactions? Just because QED happens to obey a gauge symmetry law, is it valid to raise that to a principle of physics and apply it to the Weak and Strong forces?

      The book might reach a broader audience if a few more pages were devoted to explaining mathematical preliminaries such as special unitary groups and tensor representations of electromagnetic laws. I bet that this would be a useful book to graduate students who want to clearly understand the big QFT picture before diving into the details.
      The Theory of Quark and Gluon Interactions (Theoretical and Mathematical Physics)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        The Theory of Quark and Gluon Interactions (Theoretical and Mathematical Physics)
        Francisco J. Ynduráin
        Manufacturer: Springer
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        Binding: Hardcover

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        1. String Theory in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell) String Theory in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell)

        ASIN: 354033209X

        Book Description

        F. J. Ynduráin's book on Quantum Chromodynamics has become a classic among advanced textbooks. First published in 1983, and translated into Russian in 1986, it now sees its fourth edition. It addresses readers with basic knowledge of field theory and particle phenomenology. The author presents the basic facts of quark and gluon physics in pedagogical form. Theory is always confronted with experimental findings. The reader will learn enough to be able to follow modern research articles. This fourth edition presents a new section on heavy quark effective theories, more material on lattice QCD and on chiral perturbation theory.
        COSMOS AND CONSCIOUSNESS: Quantum Computers, SuperStrings,  Programming, Egypt, Quarks, Mind Body Problem, and Turing Machines Second Edition
        Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
        • Author Reply to Doug Keenan
        • What a disappointment!
        • Exciting New View of the Universe
        • Consciousness - A Natural Part of the Universe
        COSMOS AND CONSCIOUSNESS: Quantum Computers, SuperStrings, Programming, Egypt, Quarks, Mind Body Problem, and Turing Machines Second Edition
        Stephen Blaha, PhD
        Manufacturer: Janus Associates Inc.
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

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        1. The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, The Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next
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        3. Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness
        4. The God Effect: Quantum Entanglement, Science's Strangest Phenomenon The God Effect: Quantum Entanglement, Science's Strangest Phenomenon

        ASIN: 0972079548
        Release Date: 2003-04-29

        Book Description

        Cosmos and Consciousness presents a simple idea with potentially profound implications not only for Science but also for Philosophy. It develops a new foundation, at both a popular, and a technical level, for current fundamental theories of elementary particles, the Standard Model and SuperString Theory. Both of these theories can be placed on a quantum computer language foundation. The idea: elementary particles such as electrons, quarks and so on can be viewed as the "letters" or symbols of a cosmic alphabet, or cosmic code, in a computer grammar (language). A new view of reality emerges from this perspective: the universe is one "tremendous" word. This new theoretical basis is consistent with all known physical experiments and theory. Cosmos and Consciousness explores this challenging idea showing how fundamental physics theories can be based on quantum computer languages, and incidentally developing many new features of Quantum Computers. A Quantum Computer is a type of computer that is based on quantum mechanics. The obvious analogy of "the universe as a word" to religious and philosophical concepts such as the "Word" leads to a comparison of this view with parallel ideas in these disciplines. It brings Science to a startling similarity with the religious concept of the Word - a concept that is not only Christian but is also prominent in Judaism, and was prominent even earlier in the Ancient Egyptian religion 5000 years ago. With the universe reduced to a word - structured by the laws of physics - and matter reduced to symbols the book shows the insubstantiality of the universe in its most fundamental parts. Human Consciousness is similarly insubstantial. So Cosmos and Consciousness then analyzes human Consciousness and shows it can be viewed as a classical probabilistic computer. A classical probabilistic computer is similar to a Quantum Computer with the main practical difference being that its probabilities are not quantum but classical in origin.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Author Reply to Doug Keenan.......2002-12-20

        The theme of Cosmos ... is that language is the ultimate reality of the universe. To that end it shows the fundamental physical nature of the universe can be viewed as a Quantum Computer with a Quantum Computer language. (Both Superstring Theory and the Standard Model are candidates for this language.) It also shows the human mind can be viewed as a type of classical probabilistic computer. Thus it shows a similarity in the laws of mind and matter. Many pieces are assembled to support this unified view. It is not surprising that some will not see how the pieces fit together although it is clearly and repeatedly stated. Since the book also contains original, new research results this author felt it was necessary to describe them in some detail as a matter of intellectual honesty. These technical parts should be of interest to the popular reader as well as the scientist since it shows how physics is done. I can understand how some might view this as less interesting. Yet I feel that a semi-popular book that is both for the popular audience and the scientist is more worthwhile then pabulum books that oversimplify and avoid equations at any cost to make sales at the expense of educating the reader.

        2 out of 5 stars What a disappointment!.......2002-12-13

        I wanted to like this book - I really did. It brings up an ambitious thesis then barely pays it mind, opting instead to spend page after page on less interesting topics. Not internally coordinated at all, it seems more like a compilation of unrelated writings and less like a comprehensive approach to the subject. Back up Dr. Blaha, and try again!

        5 out of 5 stars Exciting New View of the Universe.......2001-05-21

        I found this book hard to resist. The fundamental particles of matter are "letters" in a cosmic code or alphabet. The universe is a "word" extending from the Big Bang until the end of time. The fundamental theories of physics-the Standard Model and SuperStrings-can be viewed as a quantum computer language. The idea that the universe is a word resonates with philosophic and theological notions that God is the word-logos-that began in Ancient Egypt. Ankhs are symbols derived from an ancient comet over Egypt. Human consciousness can be viewed as a probabilistic computer. New types of quantum computers are explored.

        The book overflows with exciting new ideas. The presentation is clear and easy to read. At times the book gets technically challenging-the author proves his points-not just vague verbal assertions without proof. This book is the only attempt that I am aware of that tries to present original new scientific ideas for the first tome together with a popular discussion of these ideas.

        In addition to providing solid science, it is a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion of Science and Religion.

        5 out of 5 stars Consciousness - A Natural Part of the Universe.......2001-02-21

        Dr. Blaha's book, Cosmos and Consciousness, is the first philosophical writing I have seen that bases its arguments on modern physics. Dr. Blaha's understanding of quantum mechanics, general relativity theory, and linguistics from computer science provides an exciting framework on how to perceive the universe. He gives real meaning to how ancient beliefs came about, the relationship of observations to knowledge, and the expression of modern physics through language. He shows why the concepts of free will, a superstring quantum model of the cosmos, and a probabilistic computer model of consciousness are consistent with modern physics. Also, he presents this SuperString Quantum Computer Theory of the Cosmos and this Probabilistic Computer Theory of the Consciousness as what he refers to as "Personified Physics", or Physics as the embodiment of people.

        I found Dr. Blaha's concept of the universe and man's place in the universe consistent with what we know today. It leaves one feeling that we are naturally part of the universe and that consciousness should be a common phenomenon throughout the universe (that is, that other conscious beings would exist).
        Hidden Worlds: Hunting for Quarks in Ordinary Matter
        Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
        • An excellent introduction to the quark hypothesis
        • Assumes you already know quark terminology
        Hidden Worlds: Hunting for Quarks in Ordinary Matter
        Timothy Paul Smith
        Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
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        Binding: Paperback

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        ASIN: 0691122415

        Book Description

        No one has ever seen a quark. Yet physicists seem to know quite a lot about the properties and behavior of these ubiquitous elementary particles. Here a top researcher introduces us to a fascinating but invisible realm that is part of our everyday life. Timothy Smith tells us what we know about quarks--and how we know it.

        Though the quarks that make science headlines are typically laboratory creations generated under extreme conditions, most quarks occur naturally. They reside in the protons and neutrons that make up almost all of the universe's known matter, from human DNA to distant nebulae, from books and tables to neutron stars. Smith explains what these quarks are, how they act, and why physicists believe in them sight unseen. How do quarks arrange themselves? What other combinations can nature make? How do quarks hold nuclei together? What else is happening in their hidden worlds? It turns out that these questions can be answered using a few simple principles, such as the old standby: opposites attract. With these few principles, Smith shows how quarks dance around each other and explains what physicists mean when they refer to "up" and "down" quarks and talk about a quark's color, flavor, and spin.

        Smith also explains how we know what we know about these oddly aloof particles, which are eternally confined inside larger particles. He explains how quark experiments are mounted and how massive accelerators, targets, and detectors work together to collect the data that scientists use to infer what quarks are up to.

        A nonmathematical tour of the quark world, this book is written for students, educators, and all who enjoy scientific exploration--whether they seek a taste of subnuclear physics or just wonder about nature on the smallest of scales.

        Customer Reviews:

        4 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to the quark hypothesis.......2003-10-31

        This book provides an overview of what basic quark theory is and how it came to be from both a historical and a logical point of view. Although it's a short book, a lot of ground is covered. There is a fair amount of theory and there are dips into the particulars of high energy physics experimental apparatus. The chosen topics are interesting in themselves and they lead step by step to the endpoint of the book.

        While there are a number of technical physics terms (e.g. spin, cross section), I was pleasantly surprised that the book presented very useful analogies describing what the terms represent. Whereas, in many books the spin of a particle is often visualized as the spin of a planet or a top and left at that, here spin is likened to the spin of a billiard ball as it collides with a cushion AND thus affects the angle at which the ball (or particle) rebounds. It's still hard to visualize how these tiny particles can "spin", but that's not really what's important. What is important is the measurable collision effects which can then be represented as if the particles had a spin. Once you know the effect, then you can visualize some familiar thing to help you picture the effect.

        I have a physics background, so for me the book provided a overarching framework that tied together many concepts that I knew fairly well in isolation. It also provided me with some very appealing visual models, that somehow I never had seen before.

        Would the book be of sufficient interest to those without a physics background? I would like to think so, but you have to keep in mind the scope of the book. The quark hypothesis, especially when theory and experiment are taken into account, is a massive topic. Just the history of the development of quark theory has spawned books of 300 or more pages. After reading this book, will you become an expert in spin statistics? Or modern day experimental apparatus? Or quarks and gluons? No. But that's not the aim of the book. It simply provides a nice overview, presented in a logical fashion with each part leading to the next, that will give you some inkling of what this stuff is all about and how it all fits together. There are some tougher parts where unusual concepts are briefly discussed, but the level of detail is only that which is necessary to further the discussion. As such, some topics may very well remain somewhat mysterious. But don't let that discourage you. If after reading you only have a vague picture of, say, "spin", then that's OK. At least you will know a bit of how why it's important. And if the tougher parts spur you to dig deeper into those topics, so much the better. Either way, the book has done its job.

        While there is a nice glossary of terms, it is most unfortunate that there are no suggestions leading the way to deeper reading. In my opinion, the lack of a bibliography mars what would have otherwise been a 5 star book.

        2 out of 5 stars Assumes you already know quark terminology.......2003-09-27

        This isn't an introductory book on quarks. It assumes you already know the terminology. What is spin? What is isospin? The glossary at the back isn't helpful. I read 20 or so pages and then realized it wasn't an oversight... He really has no plans to introduce these and other basic terms and explain them. Very disappointing.
        Chiral Quark Dynamics (Lecture Notes in Physics New Series M)
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Chiral Quark Dynamics (Lecture Notes in Physics New Series M)
          Reinhard Alkofer , and Hugo Reinhart
          Manufacturer: Springer
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover

          GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Nuclear Physics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
          Particle PhysicsParticle Physics | Nuclear Physics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Physics | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
          Nuclear PhysicsNuclear Physics | Physics | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 3540601376

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