Overview

In this book, the author leads the reader, step by step and without any advanced mathematics, to a clear understanding of the foundations of modern elementary particle physics and cosmology. He also addresses current and controversial questions on topics such as string theory. The book contains gentle introductions to the theories of special and general relativity, and also classical and quantum field theory. The essential aspects of these concepts are understood with the help of simple calculations; for example, the force of gravity as a consequence of the curvature of the space-time. Also treated are the Big Bang, dark matter and dark energy, as well as the presently known interactions of elementary particles: electrodynamics, the strong and the weak interactions including the Higgs boson. Finally, the book sketches as yet speculative theories: Grand Unification theories, supersymmetry, string theory and the idea of additional dimensions of space-time. Since no higher mathematical or physics expertise is required, the book is also suitable for college and university students at the beginning of their studies. Hobby astronomers and other science enthusiasts seeking a deeper insight than can be found in popular treatments will also appreciate this unique book.

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9783642445002

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Reviews

From the reviews: The German edition has received several very positive reviews. Here are some translated excerpts: Ulrich Elwanger's book deals with a currently very popular topic of theoretical physics: the connection between the micro- and the macro-cosmos. The chosen approach is the only right one: A review of all the essential foundations, before getting down to the serious stuff. The result is a book that succeeds didactically, with no errors worth mentioning, and from which the reader with appropriate background can benefit greatly. One notices the author's extensive experience as researcher and teacher, and feels that one is 'in safe hands'. The book can be followed by all students of physics as well talented school pupils. For many students of the natural sciences and also interested autodidacts this book - as a text for learning and for reference - will be immensely helpful. In summary, a good and well-written text idea for a stepwise and additional learning of cosmology and also astro-, nuclear- and elementary-particle physics. Sources: www.wissenschaft-online.de; www.astronomy.info; www.amazon.de The aim of the book is to present the current status of our knowledge of the laws of nature from cosmology to the elementary particles and to address the numerous open questions and controversially discussed topics such as string theory. ... The book turns to college and university students, hobby astronomers and other science enthusiasts. ... The present fascinating work is accessible for all readers having a knowledge of mathematics at the level of a secondary-school final examination. (Philosophy, Religion and Science Book Reviews, bookinspections.wordpress.com, July, 2013) This is an ambitious book, reaching out to a broad readership on the topics of cosmology and elementary particle physics. In appearance and style it comes across as a textbook, including equations and simple exercises after each chapter. ... I found ... this book to be most inspiring and many of the latest developments are covered ... . (Herbert Dreiner, CERN Courier, November, 2012) The aim of the book is to present the current status of our knowledge of the laws of nature from cosmology to the elementary particles and to address the numerous open questions and controversially discussed topics ... . The book presupposes the mathematical level of knowledge of students in natural sciences at the beginning of their studies. ... The book turns to college and university students, hobby astronomers and other science enthusiasts. It takes an intermediate position between a physical textbook and a popular treatment. (Horst-Heino von Borzeszkowski, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1247, 2012)

Author Information

Ulrich Ellwanger completed his doctoral work in theoretical physics at the University of Heidelberg. After research stays at Oxford University, and CERN/Geneva, followed by a Heisenberg-professorship of the German Research Foundation, he was appointed professor of the Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Paris-Sud. His fields of research and teaching are elementary particle physics (QCD, supersymmetry, string theory) and cosmology.

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