Particle Physics vs Quantum Field Theory vs Standard Model

In summary, particle physics is the study of particles and their interactions. Quantum field theory is the general theoretical framework for understanding these interactions. The standard model is the specific model that describes how the three fundamental forces are unified.
  • #1
FourEyedRaven
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Hi.

I'd like to ask what are the differences between Particle Physics, Quantum Field Theory and the Standard Model. I see these names of physics courses but I want to confirm if I understand the difference.

My understanding is that when students learn particle physics in their undergraduate years they are learning how particles interact without knowing the background theoretical structure that justifies the calculations they learn. Quantum field theory is the general theoretical framework of quantized fields. The standard model is the specific model of quantized fields that describes how three of the four fundamental forces are unified. So the standard model contains the background theoretical structure that justifies the calculations that students learn in particle physics courses.

Is this correct? Sort of?
 
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  • #2
Basically.

Particle physics is the study of particles, their properties and how they interact. There are a couple of ways you can model particles, but the most general theory for doing so is Quantum Field Theory, which is used when the quantum nature of particle must be taken into account and they are moving at relativistic speeds. This theory describes particles as a special type of state of the underlying quantum fields.

Quantum Field Theory is a very general framework and a given quantum field theory can have several fields of various spins with a variety of interactions. The standard model is the particular quantum field theory that seems to correctly model the particle's we can observe and the three forces that govern them. However note it does not unify those forces.
 
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  • #3
Right. So is it fair to say that it's somewhat similar to the differences between classical thermodynamics, statistical physics, and statistical thermodynamics?
 
  • #4
FourEyedRaven said:
Right. So is it fair to say that it's somewhat similar to the differences between classical thermodynamics, statistical physics, and statistical thermodynamics?

Actually, no.

QFT is really QM, but in a different light. Some might even say QFT is really QM in Second Quantization formalism.

Particle physics (of which the standard model is a part of) is a field of physics that makes use of QM/QFT. But it isn't the only one. Condensed Matter Physics, Nuclear Physics, Atomic Physics, etc... all make use of QFT.

Zz.
 
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FAQ: Particle Physics vs Quantum Field Theory vs Standard Model

1. What is the difference between Particle Physics and Quantum Field Theory?

Particle Physics is a branch of physics that studies the fundamental particles and their interactions, while Quantum Field Theory is a theoretical framework that describes the behavior of these particles and their interactions through fields.

2. How does the Standard Model fit into Particle Physics and Quantum Field Theory?

The Standard Model is a theory that combines Particle Physics and Quantum Field Theory to explain the interactions of all known particles and their fundamental forces.

3. What are the limitations of the Standard Model?

The Standard Model cannot explain certain phenomena, such as gravity, dark matter, and dark energy. It also does not account for the asymmetry between matter and antimatter.

4. How do Particle Physics and Quantum Field Theory contribute to our understanding of the universe?

Particle Physics and Quantum Field Theory help us understand the fundamental building blocks of the universe and how they interact with each other. They also provide a framework for studying the origins and evolution of the universe.

5. What are some current research areas in Particle Physics, Quantum Field Theory, and the Standard Model?

Some current research areas include studying the properties of the Higgs boson, searching for new particles beyond the Standard Model, and exploring the possibility of unifying all fundamental forces into a single theory.

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