Product Description

Learn quantum field theory at the speed of light!

Quantum Field Theory Demystified picks up where Quantum Mechanics Demystified left off and is the ideal introductory resource for those moving onto this complex physics course. Quantum field theory unifies Einstein's theory of relativity with quantum mechanics. You will learn the essential principles and mathematical framework of quantum field theory through easy-to-follow explanations and sample equations. The book also provides the background needed to learn more advanced topics such as string theory, supersymmetry, and quantum gravity.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #215485 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 299 pages

From the Back Cover

Learn quantum field theory relatively easily

Trying to comprehend quantum field theory but don't have infinite time or the IQ of Einstein? No problem! This easy-to-follow guide helps you understand this complex subject matter without spending a lot of energy.

Quantum Field Theory Demystified covers essential principles such as particle physics and special relativity. You'll learn about Lagrangian field theory, group theory, and electroweak theory. The book also explains continuous and discrete symmetries, spontaneous symmetry breaking, and supersymmetry. With thorough coverage of the mathematics of quantum field theory and featuring end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam to test your knowledge, this book will teach you the fundamentals of this theoretical framework in no time at all.

This fast and easy guide offers:

• Numerous figures to illustrate key concepts
• Sample equations with worked solutions
• Coverage of quantum numbers
• Details on the Dirac equation, the Feynman rules, and the Higgs mechanism
• A time-saving approach to performing better on an exam or at work

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Quantum Field Theory Demystified is your shortcut to understanding this fascinating area of physics.

About the Author

David McMahon works as a researcher in theNational Laboratories. He has advanced degrees in physics and applied mathematics, and is the author of Quantum Mechanics Demystified, Relativity Demystified, and several other successful books.

Customer Reviews

Another poor demistified book
This book shares with the other books in the series in one respect. Each advertises itself as suitable for anyone to master the basics without formal training.

Few books could achieve introducing "anyone" to tensor notation on p7! This aside, the whole approach of this book is woolly. It is difficult to see at any time where we are going or whether we have gotten there. The notations used make for obfuscation of the theory rather than demystification. Why not use the notations a pure maths undergraduate would understand if you want to "demystify", then throw in those a physicist would use later? The latter only add to the mystery of half-understood mathematics.

As an illustration of how difficult to follow this book is, on p4 we are promised that fields are to be made into operators, and the Schrodinger probability density function is to become a field. Also, position and time are no longer operators but (classical) scalars. On p118 we are about to achieve this, and this aim is stated twice for emphasis. OK, we are all ready, but wait! the author takes us back to the harmonic oscillator and produces a creation and annihilation operator out of a hat, without any explanation of why.

On p122 the mechanism of second quantization is given, without emphasis, mid-page and mid-paragraph, by taking the Fourier transform of a preceding formula. The poor reader who looks up Fourier transforms in the index will find the only reference to be...p122.

Most mathematicians would fail to understand most of this book. Mr Anyone on the back cover is going to be entirely at sea.

Not the best book on QFT but worth considering
I agree with the (so far) two other reviews to some extent, especially about the typos! And if you're looking for a deep insight into QFT and you are a recent graduate or have studied Quantum mechanics recently, then yes, there are many other better books. That said, for someone like me - starting an MSc after 20 years away from physics - I found it easier to understand at the most basic levels than other more advanced books where my eyes were glazing over by page 2 - and so this is bridging my gap quite well. Def buy other books, but don't pass on this one if you need the basics with a pinch of salt...and its cheap!

A shame!
This book is full of errors and bad explanations. The author says in the preface that many books on quantum field theory are impossible to read. It's a shame that this one is just one more of that kind!