Quantum field theory, as simply as possible / A. Zee.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Zee, A., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Quantum field theory.

Quantum field theory--Data processing.

Genre:

Instructional and educational works.

Popular works.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (393 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

Princeton : Princeton University Press, [2023]

Summary:

Quantum field theory is by far the most spectacularly successful theory in physics, but also one of the most mystifying. Quantum Field Theory, as Simply as Possible provides an essential primer on the subject, giving readers the conceptual foundations they need to wrap their heads around one of the most important yet baffling subjects in physics. Quantum field theory grew out of quantum mechanics in the late 1930s and was developed by a generation of brilliant young theorists, including Julian Schwinger and Richard Feynman. Their predictions were experimentally verified to an astounding accuracy unmatched by the rest of physics. Quantum field theory unifies quantum mechanics and special relativity, thus providing the framework for understanding the quantum mysteries of the subatomic world. With his trademark blend of wit and physical insight, A. Zee guides readers from the classical notion of the field to the modern frontiers of quantum field theory, covering a host of topics along the way, including antimatter, Feynman diagrams, virtual particles, the path integral, quantum chromodynamics, electroweak unification, grand unification, and quantum gravity. A unique and valuable introduction for students and general readers alike, Quantum Field Theory, as Simply as Possible explains how quantum field theory informs our understanding of the universe, and how it can shed light on some of the deepest mysteries of physics.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Prologue: The greatest monument and a road map for a quest

PART I Our physical world

1. Matter and the forces that move it

2. The rise of the classical field

3. Time unified with space

4. The geometry of spacetime

5. The rise and fall and rise of particles

Recap of part I

PART II The road to quantum field theory

1. Getting the best deal: from least time to extremal action

2. Global versus local

3. Enter the quantum

Recap of part II

PART III Becoming a quantum field theorist

1. How to become a quantum field theorist (almost) instantly

2. Origin of forces: range and exchange

3. Attraction or repulsion: a mysterious but all important sign

Recap of part III

PART IV A universe of fields

1. Everybody is a field: Dirac set the electron free

2. Theoretical physics, like music, starts with harmony but then tries to move on

3. Quantum electrodynamics, perturbation theory, and cultural taboos

4. The road to gauge theory

Recap of part IV

A well-deserved rest

PART V Quantum field theory and the four fundamental interactions

1. Antimatter!

2. Too strong and too mean but ultimately free

3. The weak and the electroweak interactions Addendum to chapter V.3

4. Grand unification

5. Gravity and curved spacetime

6. Quantum gravity: The Holy Grail of theoretical physics?

Recap of part V

VI Quantum field theory is more intellectually complete than quantum mechanics

1. A question of identity

2. Exclusion, inclusion, and quantum statistics

3. Intellectual completeness

Recap of part VI

Parting comments and some unsolicited advice

Timeline

A short list of mathematical symbols

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780691239279

0691239274

OCLC:

1346357799