The Elusive Neutrino: A Subatomic Detective Story (Scientific American Library) - Hardcover

Solomey, Nickolas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0716750805 ISBN 13: 9780716750802

Publisher: W H Freeman & Co, 1997

Synopsis

Using 60 years of research on the still mysterious neutrino as a case study, Solomey (physics, U. of Chicago) walks non-technical readers through the history of particle physics from the discovery of radioactivity to present theoretical speculation about the mass and origin of elementary particles. He emphasizes the synergy of experiment and theory that drives the field. Highly illustrated, mostly in color. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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Review:

For more than 60 years, researchers in particle physics have been pursuing the neutrino. Just developing the technology and the means to detect this subatomic particle took 20 years. Physicists continue to be tantalized by the question of its mass does the neutrino weigh anything and, if so, how much? and the unique characteristics of spin and symmetry that set this particle apart from others.

In The Elusive Neutrino: A Subatomic Detective Story, physicist Nickolas Solomey takes his readers through the mind-bending world of particle physics, using research involving neutrinos as a navigational tool. Solomey's discussion spans the history of particle physics from the discovery of radioactivity to present day theoretical speculation about the mass and origin of elementary particles. He brings us into the laboratories where physicists are hunting down answers to such questions as: Is the neutrino its own anti-particle? Can neutrinos account for the missing matter of the universe? And he shows us how scientists are studying neutrinos for clues to the origin and (perhaps) the future of the universe. The Elusive Neutrino: A Subatomic Detective Story takes us on a tour of this fascinating branch of physics a tour that's not only engaging, but enlightening. 165 illustrations -- Book Description

About this edition

• Publisher: W H Freeman & Co
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0716750805
• ISBN 13: 9780716750802
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 206