Particle Physics : an Introduction

Particle Physics: An Introduction provides information pertinent to particle physics, including symmetries, quantum mechanics, particle kinematics, and wave equations. This book explains the Lorentz transformation, which relates events as seen in two inertial coordinate systems. Comprised of 12 chapters, this book starts with an overview of the general relationship between energy and momentum. This text then explains the various components of the electric and magnetic fields, which are related by Maxwell's equations. Other chapters review the abstract formalism of quantum mechanics as well as explain the functions of cross sections and decay rates in particle physics. This book discusses as well the function of quantum field theory in predicting S-matrix elements and cross sections that can be compared with experiments. The final chapter deals with strong interaction dynamics as well as introduces Regge poles and dispersion relations. Seniors and graduate students involved in the study of physics will find this book extremely useful. Content: Front Matter , Page iii Copyright , Page iv Dedication , Page v Preface , Pages xi-xii Introduction , Pages 1-2 CHAPTER ONE - Relativity and Kinematics , Pages 3-18 CHAPTER TWO - Relativistic Wave Equations , Pages 19-31 CHAPTER THREE - Quantum Mechanics and Scattering , Pages 32-66 CHAPTER FOUR - Quantum Field Theory , Pages 67-85 CHAPTER FIVE - Quantum Electrodynamics , Pages 86-94 CHAPTER SIX - Pions , Pages 95-123 CHAPTER SEVEN - Pion–Nucleon Scattering , Pages 124-141 CHAPTER EIGHT - Pion Resonances , Pages 142-154 CHAPTER NINE - Strange Particles , Pages 155-163 CHAPTER TEN - SU(3) , Pages 164-189 CHAPTER ELEVEN - Weak Interactions , Pages 190-218 CHAPTER TWELVE - Hadron Dynamics , Pages 219-250 Appendix - Tables of Particle Properties , Pages 251-264 Subject Index , Pages 265-268