PX3241: Particle Physics and Special Relativity
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX3241 |
| External Subject Code | 100425 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Patrick Sutton |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
To introduce the principles and basic concepts of Special Relativity.
To introduce the basic concepts and methods of particle physics.
To outline the Standard Model for particle properties and interactions.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Describe the conceptual foundations of Special Relativity.
Prove physical consequences of the Lorentz Transformations and apply them to problems.
Use four-vectors to describe particle kinematics.
Describe the nature and properties of the elementary forces and particles.
Explain the importance of symmetries in determining conservation laws.
Explain the consequences of boson exchange in the mediation of forces.
Recognise allowed and forbidden processes.
Use natural units, and be able to calculate the kinematics of 2-body interactions and decays.
Give an account of the basic principles of modern particle physics accelerators and detectors.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures and Exercise Class, 22 x 2hrs
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Mathematics. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and Continuous Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 80 | Particle Physics And Special Relativity | 3 |
| Written Assessment | 20 | Particle Physics And Special Relativity | N/A |
Syllabus content
Newtonian Physics: Recap of inertial reference frames, Galilean transformation, Principle of Relativity.
Lorentz Transformation: Motivation from Maxwell's equations & Michelson-Morley experiment, derivation.
Consequences of Lorentz Transformation: addition of velocities, length contraction, time dilation, relativistic Doppler effect.
Spacetime: line element, causal structure, observers, proper time.
Mechanics: 4-vectors, 4-velocity, 4-acceleration, 4-momentum, conservation of 4-momentum.
Forces: 4-forces, non-inertial observers.
Electromagnetism: Electric and magnetic fields under Lorentz Transformations. Covariant form of Maxwell’s equations.
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics: Klein-Gordon equation, Dirac equation, spinors, hole theory, antiparticles.
Particle physics basics: Natural units. Coupling constants. Cross sections. Matrix Elements. Fundamental Interactions.
The standard model: Quarks and Leptons. Antimatter. Conservation laws. Gauge Bosons. Electroweak unification.
Quark States: Baryons and mesons. Existence of the colour charge. Isospin. Hadron conservation laws.
Feynman Diagrams: Basics vertices. Matrix elements. QED processes. Electron-positron collisions. Quark jets. Evidence for colour. Weak interactions. Lepton symmetries. Quark mixing.
Symmetries: Parity (P), Charge-conjugation (C), CP and CPT. Parity violation and CP violation.
Beyond the Standard Model: Grand Unified Theories. Supersymmetry. The Planck scale. Theories of Everything.
Background Reading and Resource List
Introduction to Elementary Particles by David Griffiths 2nd Edition Wiley 2008.
Ch 1 – 6 of Particle Physics by B.R. Martin & G. Shaw 2nd Edition Wiley 1997.