The Particle Explosion
F.E. Close(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 1. January 1994
Book
Paperback/Softback
239 pages
978-0-19-853999-5 (ISBN)
Description
The Particle Explosion is a spectacular illustrated tour of the subatomic world, the first book to describe to the general reader how the study of basic particles over the last hundred years has led us closer to an understanding of the origins of the Universe. This journey to the heart of matter opens with an introduction to the basic particles (a subatomic "zoo" that includes quarks, electrons, leptons, 'strange' particles and 'charmed' particles) and of the methods used to create and investigate them. The even-numbered chapters tell the story of their discovery, from the first experiments with X-rays and the elucidation of the nature of the atom, to the great machines that today smash particles together at enormous energy levels. The odd-numbered chapters describe the major particles in more detail. With over 300 fascinating illustrations, the book brings together many historical photographs of leading scientists in the field, the increasingly vast and complex equipment they use (bubble chambers, accelerators and modern electronic detectors), and the striking images of tracks produced by the particles themselves. Detailing in readable, jargon-free language the new vistas particle physics has opened--from the approach to a Grand Unified Theory of matter to the detection of art forgeries--this book is must reading for anyone who hopes to understand more about the brave new world of modern science.
More details
Edition
New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
New edition
Illustrations
frontispiece, colour, halftone, and line illustrations throughout, tables, bibliography
ISBN-13
978-0-19-853999-5 (9780198539995)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Content
The world of particle physics; exploring the atom; the structure of the atom; the extraterrestrials; the cosmic rain; the challenge of the big machines; the particle explosion; colliders and image chambers; from charm to top; to the limits; particles at work.