Drawing like Feynman

Introduction

The physics of elementary particles deals with the smallest things in the universe. Quarks and leptons are too small to be seen, so physicists represent them with various models. The picture many people have of the atom as a tiny solar system is one such model, though out-of-date. A more current model is the picture of an atom to the right of this paragraph. Models like these of abstract mathematical constructs like the quantum mechanical atom enable people to have a conceptual understanding of physical phenomena. 

Feynman diagrams are just such a model for the interactions that take place among elementary particles. 

Drawing like Feynman will enable you to use this tool to better understand the Standard Model of Fundamental Particles and Interactions. 

The Task

Your task consists of conducting research to learn about Feynman diagrams, and completing these assignments:

• Write a short biography of Richard Feynman
• Write an analysis of a Feynman diagram provided by the teacher
• Draw a Feynman diagram for an event provided by the teacher

Process

1. Delegate roles within your team (a member may have more than one role)
• Principal investigator--responsible for coordinating the activities of the team
• Theory researcher--responsible for finding and sharing information about the Standard Model
• Biography researcher--responsible for finding and sharing information about Richard Feynman
• Feynman diagram researcher
• Biography writer--responsible for producing the biography 
2. Perform necessary research
• Richard Feynman
• The Standard Model
• What is the world made of?
• What holds it together?
• Particle decays and annihilations
• Feynman diagrams
• Complete Internet Information Record Sheet*
3. Write Feynman biography
4. Analyze a Feynman diagram 
5. Write an explanation of the event
6. Draw a Feynman diagram for a selected event 

Assessment

Two-thirds (66%) of your score for this assignment will be based on the evaluation from a rubric*. 
The remaining one-third (33%) will be based on a peer evaluation* by the other team members of your contributions to the success of the project.

Conclusion

This activity is designed to enable you to more fully understand some of the events that occur in elementary particle physics. You should also realize how powerful tools like models and drawings allow us to picture what is unseeable.

 What other ideas in physics are modeled like this?
What ideas in biology are modeled like this?
What ideas in chemistry are modeled like this?

Credits

Images
The D0 Experiment
J. Eric Slone and www.FeynmanOnline.com

Background Information
The Particle Garden, by Gordon Kane
Introduction to Elementary Particles, by David Griffiths

Special thanks
Dr. Phil Baringer, University of KansasDr. Alice Bean, University of Kansas