So what are particle accelerators?
In simplest terms they accelerate charged particle with the use of electric fields, altering their direction with magnetic fields.
There are three basic forms
In simplest terms they accelerate charged particle with the use of electric fields, altering their direction with magnetic fields.
There are three basic forms
- the linear accelerator - or LINAC
- the cyclotron
- the Synchrotron
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CERN
One of the more more know accelerators is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a type of synchrotron at CERN (CERN itself is a large physics complex in Europe that has many different accelerators CERN is the largest physics research facility engaged in particle physics. in 2019, I had the privilege to visit CERN for two weeks. Unfortunately there is a lot of misinformation about it. So before we start lets briefly look at CERN. I produced this video to give members of the general public an understanding of what CERN is and what they do. See below the video I 'had' to produce to correct some misinformation that exists about CERN |
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- CERN - the official website. This is where you will find excellent resources, as well as getting the latest news in Particle Physics
The physics of particle accelerators
Lets' start with the Cyclotron and then we will look at the Synchrotron
Take note: From here on it we cover a fair amount of concepts from previous lessons. IN fact the review of particle accelerators is good consolidation for numerous concepts.
So if ensure, take the time to review circular motion, charge in electric fields, and charge in magnetic fields
Take note: From here on it we cover a fair amount of concepts from previous lessons. IN fact the review of particle accelerators is good consolidation for numerous concepts.
So if ensure, take the time to review circular motion, charge in electric fields, and charge in magnetic fields
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An extension and for interest Filmed on location, let me take you on a tour of a working cycloton - ANSTO's National Research Cyclotron. Hear from scientists on its purpose, how it works, and an example of the type of research that take place, and how the ensure the radiopharmaceuticals that are produced are of the highest quality. |
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The Synchrotron
The Synchrotron is able to speed up charge particle to much greater energies than the cyclotron, the first being developed in the 1940's The Large Hadron Collider is the largest Synchrotron to date with a circumference of 27km. (there are plans to buid an even larger one, the Future Circular Collider (FCC) whic will be 100 km in circumference! This video covers the key concepts on its working. |
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Something I needed to address, but has some good physics
One of the fallacies that exist is that CERN's work could potentially destroy the world because of the belief that they produce black holes.
I produced this video to examine this claim from a scientific perspective.
One of the fallacies that exist is that CERN's work could potentially destroy the world because of the belief that they produce black holes.
I produced this video to examine this claim from a scientific perspective.
