"The Theory of Almost Everything: The Standard Model, the Unsung Triumph of Modern Physics"

Overview

This is a guide to the most important theory in modern physics - a tour de force of science writing. The Standard Model is the most important theory in modern physics. It is the tried-and-true theory of all known physical interactions, with the exception of gravity. Outside of scientific circles it is not nearly as well known as string theory or chaos theory. But it is more important than both, and it is absolutely essential to understanding where we are heading next in physics. Now, in a tour de force of science writing, physicist Robert Oerter reveals the Standard Model to the general public. The Standard Model combines Einstein's special relativity with quantum mechanics, revealing a bizarre reality beneath the surface of the mundane world that we all experience. Particles pop into existence from pure energy. Light travels to a given destination on all possible paths at the same time. Making use of rich analogy and metaphor, Oerter illuminates the quantum world of the Standard Model. He shows that although the theory seems absurd from a commonsense point of view, it nonetheless fully agrees with experiment. After lucidly explaining the Standard Model's implications for the universe as a whole, Oerter takes readers to the edge of physics. He shows how new developments could alter the Standard Model. Experiments now running are searching for neutrino mass and the holy grail of particle physics, the Higgs boson.

Full Product Details

Author:   Robert Oerter
Publisher:   Penguin Putnam Inc
Imprint:   Plume
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Width: 13.90cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 21.50cm
Weight:   0.304kg
ISBN:  

9780452287860

ISBN 10:   0452287863
Pages:   336
Publication Date:   11 February 2006
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Unknown
Availability:   Available  
Limited stock is available. It will be ordered for you and shipped pending supplier's limited stock.

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Reviews

Accessible and engaging...This book is for anyone interested in modern physics and ultimate answers about the universe. - Science News We always hear about black holes, the big bang, and the search for life in the universe. But rare is the book that celebrates the Standard Model of Elementary Particles - a triumph of 20th century science that underpins nearly all we know about physical reality. Oerter's The Theory of Almost Everything belongs on anyone's shelf who cares about how the universe really works. - Neil deGrasse Tyson

Author Information

Robert Oerter teaches physics at George Mason University. He lives in Maryland.

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