Answering various physics mysteries
potret Large Hadron Collider di Switzerland (pexels.com/Ramaz Bluashvili)
The subatomic world is still an interesting puzzle to explore. The existence of this invisible world contributes greatly to the existence of the universe. Therefore, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was created as a tool that can help us explain how particles interact fundamentally in nature, or in physics known as the Standard Model theory.
As the name suggests, the Large Hadron Collider is a giant underground tunnel that functions to create particles (hadron) from opposite directions collide with each other (collide) one another. The collision speed produced by the LHC can approach the speed of light. Come on, look at some facts that will help us get to know this sophisticated machine better.
1. Stretches from France to Switzerland
illustration of the location of the Large Hadron Collider (commons.wikimedia.org/OpenStreetMap)
The Large Hadron Collider was built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) to facilitate complex experiments related to particle interactions. The LHC is a giant circular tunnel 27 km long on the border of France and Switzerland. This tunnel is located 50-175 meters underground.
The construction of the LHC involved thousands of scientists, engineers and technicians from various parts of the world. The LHC first operated in 2008 with several repairs to optimize its function. This particle accelerator is built in an almost vacuum environment to prevent interference or collisions with unwanted external particles.
2. Made to understand the subatomic world
Standard Model infographic (home.cern/Dominguez, Daniel: CERN)
The Large Hadron Collider was created to complement the Standard Model theory in particle physics and answer various questions regarding the subatomic world, such as the existence of dark matter, dark energy, antimatter, and so on. In other words, the purpose of building the LHC was to answer the greatest mysteries in the universe. Scientists also hope that the LHC will be able to help them learn more about the structure of space and time.
Particle collisions in the Large Hadron Collider can produce 100,000 times the heat of the Sun’s core, as well as energy of 13 teraelectronvolts (TeV). This amount of heat and energy makes the LHC able to create conditions similar to some time after the Big Bang occurred. This condition also allows scientists to learn more about the beginning of the universe.
3. Pushing particles close to the speed of light
potret Large Hadron Collider (home.cern/Dominguez, Daniel: CERN)
The LHC works by accelerating proton particles from different directions to close to the speed of light. The two protons then collide with each other to create a new stream of particles. The results of the high-speed collision are what scientists are studying. This ability to accelerate close to the speed of light is created by the help of superconducting magnets that stretch along the LHC tunnel.
There are several unique things about protons that shoot up to 99.9999991% the speed of light. Reported Symmetry, special magnets called undulators which are spread at several points make protons capable of emitting visible light, even emitting ultraviolet light, whereas usually protons only emit infrared light. The phenomenon of time dilation also occurs between protons and scientists who observe them, one second experienced by a proton appears to be 2 hours by observers outside the LHC.
4. Discovering the Higgs boson or “God” particle
illustration of the Higgs boson experiment (home.cern/Collaboration, CMS)
Before the discovery of the Higgs Boson, scientists could not explain why some particles had mass, while others did not. In 1960, Peter Higgs proposed a theory regarding the existence of the Higgs field (Higgs fields), where every material that passes through this field at the beginning of the universe will gain mass. Peter Higgs’ proposal was one of the reasons for building the Large Hadron Collider.
After years of research, the existence of the Higgs field and the Higgs boson particle was finally revealed in 2012. The Higgs boson was proven to be a particle whose role is to give mass to matter. The discovery of this particle completed a missing piece in the Standard Model theory, allowing scientists to move further in studying the formation of the universe. FYI, the Higgs boson particle is also known as the “God” particle.
Also read: 5 scientific facts about the occurrence of time differences on Earth
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2023-11-25 10:29:00
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