How does an atom-smashing particle accelerator work? - Don Lincoln
674,677 Views
4,675 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
An atom smasher, or particle accelerator, collides atomic nuclei together at extremely high energies, using engineering that exploits incredibly cold temperatures, very low air pressure, and hyperbolically fast speeds. Don Lincoln explains how scientists harness the power of both electric and magnetic fields to smash atoms, eventually leading to major discoveries about the matter in our universe.
Particle accelerators are used to give subatomic particles tremendous velocities. How is this connected to the study of incredibly hot collisions?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Animator Andrew Hunter, Darren Tilley
- Educator Don Lincoln
- Producer James LaPlante
- Narrator Don Lincoln
