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)
