A Palette of Particles by Jeremy Bernstein (PDF)

Description

From molecules to stars, much of the cosmic canvas can be painted in brushstrokes of primary color: the protons, neutrons, and electrons we know so well. But for meticulous detail, we have to dip into exotic hues—leptons, mesons, hadrons, quarks. Bringing particle physics to life as few authors can, Jeremy Bernstein here unveils nature in all its subatomic splendor.In this graceful account, Bernstein guides us through high-energy physics from the early twentieth century to the present, including such highlights as the newly discovered Higgs boson. Beginning with Ernest Rutherford’s 1911 explanation of the nucleus, a model of atomic structure emerged that sufficed until the 1930s, when new particles began to be theorized and experimentally confirmed. In the postwar period, the subatomic world exploded in a blaze of unexpected findings leading to the theory of the quark, in all its strange and charmed variations. An eyewitness to developments at Harvard University and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, Bernstein laces his story with piquant anecdotes of such luminaries as Wolfgang Pauli, Murray Gell-Mann, and Sheldon Glashow.Surveying the dizzying landscape of contemporary physics, Bernstein remains optimistic about our ability to comprehend the secrets of the cosmos—even as its mysteries deepen. We now know that over eighty percent of the universe consists of matter we have never identified or detected. A Palette of Particles draws readers into the excitement of a field where the more we discover, the less we seem to know.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This portable little 212 page Harvard Press (2013) hardback, measuring about 18 by 11 cm, packs a particle physics punch far above its weight. Author Dr. Jeremy Bernstein, who over 50 years has been there, done that in the rapidly developing field of high energy physics, gives us a neat survey of the unfolding atomic structure from 1897 to today. He chooses to present the now bewildering family of particles in terms of a colour palette, starting with the basic primary colours of the macro parts typically taught in the 1950’s, then proceeding to the secondary micro subcomponents, and lastly the ‘pastels’ which brings us fully up to date with the Higgs Boson, squarks, and other weird creatures. Berstein thus dissects the atom logically rather than just follow the time line of discovery, which can be disjointed.Avoiding mathematics, the account is always interesting and anecdotal.There is a useful set of appendices including an account of the modern investigative tools used, and what could lie ahead in particle physics,A great buy at Amazon’s low price.

⭐This is a well written book. It is not easy to follow since it is presenting complex material. The author does this with a minimum of math. The book could use some more diagrams showing the relationship of the particles sprinkled throughout the book to remind the reader what area of the standard model is being discussed. Although string theory is only mentioned, it is the best presentation I’ve seen of how string theory evolved to solve a problem. Overall, I would recommend the book to those who want to put some effort into understanding particle physics.

⭐Well written documentary on the standard model of particle physics.quite readable by the lay public, but more meaningful if you have studied physics.

⭐Gives a lively timeline of the finding of particles.good book! i recommend it to anyone looking to educate themselves and have a good read.

⭐Over my head, for the most part, but, a wonderful reference for the historical development of this science.Definitely worth the buy

⭐This book provides an intro to the taxonomy of particles — it is descriptive rather than mathematical — for those persons looking for a deeper treatment, this book will only provide descriptive info.

⭐I was hoping for a discussion of subatomic particles that would help make the world of particle physics more accessible to a general but interested reader. The book was disappointing because the personal anecdotes were too short and the discussions of particles not that helpful.

⭐This is a very well written book that explaines the entire set of fundamental particles in an understandable way. There is also a highly readable history of the discovery and background of the discovery of these particles. I highly recommend it.

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