Synchrotron

Definition

A synchrotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles in a circular path. It is instrumental in high-energy physics experiments and the creation of new particles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Synchrotrons use both electric and magnetic fields to keep particles on a stable, circular orbit while accelerating them.
2. The energy of the particles can be increased incrementally by synchronizing the magnetic field strength with their velocity.
3. Synchrotrons are essential for creating high-energy collisions that can produce exotic particles not typically found in nature.
4. They are used not only in particle physics but also in medical research, material science, and biology through techniques like X-ray spectroscopy.
5. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN is one of the most famous synchrotrons in the world.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of a synchrotron?
• How do synchrotrons increase the energy of charged particles?
• Name one significant application of synchrotrons outside of particle physics.

Related terms

Particle Accelerator:

A device that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles to high speeds and contain them in well-defined beams.

Large Hadron Collider (LHC): The world's largest and most powerful particle collider, located at CERN, used for high-energy physics experiments.

X-ray Spectroscopy: An analytical technique using X-rays produced by synchrotrons to study the atomic and molecular structure of materials.