Particle physics resource

Though its subject matter is far beyond the scope of an introductory physics curriculum, this site may be useful to your friends and loved ones who are studying particle physics.

Please note that the particles are not to scale, whether by size or by mass.  Also, the quarks ought to be available only in packages of three containing three different colors.  And the proton and neutron ought to unzip to reveal three quarks inside.

Caution: do not purchase antiparticles and particles together.  There’s a warning to this effect on the antiparticle page, but people always think they can keep them far enough apart to prevent annihilation.  It’s just not worth the risk.

Linking does not imply the endorsement by UMass Amherst or by the UMass Amherst Physics Department of any particle beyond the Standard Model.  In particular, particles classified as “theoretical” are purchased at your own risk unless or until observed at the Large Hadron Collider.

Cliffs Notes for particle physics

Ultra-short explanations of some particle physics terminology.  Embedded in the site of a particle-physics-oriented magazine that has some quirky content.  A random selection includes:

  1. an essay about the debut of antimatter in science fiction – back when it was purely hypothetical and the name “antimatter” wasn’t even established yet.
  2. using cosmic ray muon detectors to map the pyramids.
  3. a review of Les Horribles Cernettes (who apparently posted the very first picture on the Web) at Hadronic Music Festival.
  4. ultra-cheap recipes from graduate students.