Questions of the fundamental nature of matter continue to inspire and engage our imagination. However, the exciting new concepts of strings, supersymmetry and exotic matter build on ideas that are well known to physicists but mysterious and puzzling to people outside of these research fields. Covering key conceptual developments from the last century, this book provides a background to the bold ideas and challenges faced by physicists today. Quantum theory and the Standard Model of particles are explained with minimal mathematics, and advanced topics, such as gauge theory and quantum field theory, are put into context. With concise, lucid explanations, this book is an essential guide to the world of particle physics.

Table of Contents

1 The nature of things

2 Matter and motion in space and time

3 Reality large and small

4 The language of Nature

5 More is different

6 The machinery of particle discovery

7 The Standard Model

8 The proliferation of matter

Epilogue: Beneath reality

Appendix: How quantum mechanics is used

Review

"Constructing Reality should be received as more than an exposition of quantum theory and the standard model of particle physics. It is a personal and passionate statement―a “what I believe” essay―by a distinguished physicist with a lifelong love of physics and a deep commitment to public service. In that context, the book succeeds and is a pleasure to read."

Kannan Jagannathan, Physics Today

"... [a] welcome gem. Read this book!"

Barry R. Masters, Optics & Photonics News

"Marburger demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic and a polished writing style. The endnotes and the references are valuable for readers interested in higher-level readings or historical memois. Highly recommended."

J.F. Burkhart, Choice magazine

About the Author

John H. Marburger III is University Professor of Physics and Electrical Engineering and Vice President for Research at Stony Brook University. Previous to this, he has been Science Advisor to the President of the United States and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Director of Brookhaven National Laboratory and President of Stony Brook University. His accomplishments in science policy and administration have been recognized by numerous awards and honors.