The Quest for Quarks
The Quest for Quarks by Brian McCusker, published by Cambridge University Press on September 8, 2005, is a concise exploration of elementary particles aimed at a general audience. This New Ed edition spans 172 pages and is presented in English. The book addresses fundamental questions about quarks, examining their role as potential building blocks of matter and exploring the complexities of atomic structure, which challenges traditional notions of indivisible particles.
Readers will find a clear discussion of the nature and classification of quarks, including their interactions and the implications for our understanding of the universe. The text delves into the historical context of atomic theory, tracing the evolution from Dalton’s chemical atoms to the discovery of protons, neutrons, and their quark constituents. This account invites readers to consider the possibility of a universe that may not be composed of discrete particles, making it a thought-provoking introduction to modern physics and its underlying principles.
Official synopsis Publisher
This short account of elementary particles written for the layman poses the questions: are quarks the fundamental building blocks of matter; what are they like; how many different kinds exist; and can they exist in the free state? What is the ultimate structure of matter? Is it made of atoms, small, simple, indivisible particles, or not? John Dalton’s ‘chemical atoms’ turned out to be composite, composed of an electron cloud and a very small, very dense nucleus. This nucleus, in turn, was found to be composite, made up of protons and neutrons bound together by pions. All three of these (and many like particles) have now been found to be made of quarks. At first there were only three of these and they were thought to be long sought after fundamental building blocks. But now we know of at least 18 quarks, 18 anti-quarks and eight ‘gluons’ that hold the quarks together. The whole atomic idea is in doubt and the alternate possibility of a Universe that is one, whole and indivisible opens up. This fascinating book will be an inspiration to anyone wishing a first exposure to this intriguing and mystical area of modern physics.
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