Particle physics: understanding the basics

by The Open University

Particle physics will give you an overview of current concepts and theories in the field. You will learn about the fundamental components of matter – known as leptons and quarks – and the composite particles, such as protons and neutrons, which are composed of quarks. You will see that all particle reactions may be described in terms of one of two fundamental interactions, known as the strong and the weak interactions, responsible for binding particles together and allowing them to change type, respectively.

After reading this ebook, you should be able recognise and name the six flavours of lepton and the six flavours of quark; understand that all leptons and quarks have corresponding antiparticles; appreciate that quarks and antiquarks combine to form baryons, antibaryons and mesons; write balanced strong interactions, understanding the role of gluons, and write balanced weak interactions, understanding the role of W and Z bosons.

69 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[Keith Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good intro to particle physics

Although there’s no mathematics involved at all it’s a very good introduction to the complexities of particle physics. A lot isn’t covered but the fundamental relationships are discussed allowing a good intuitive understanding to be developed. Another excellent - and free - Open University intro.

[Graham Cammock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! I learned so much so quickly. I highly recommend.