Homemade Particle Accelerator?

[Amsingh123]

Hi PF,

I've been looking to do a physics project for a while, and I thought about trying to build a particle accelerator at home. I know there's a lot of potential risks involved, and I imagine some legal issues, but is it plausible for a 15 year old to build a crude particle accelerator at home, with minimal risks? I know all the math and physics (calculus, differential equations, electromagnetism, special relativity, etc
.) and how to actually build the accelerator. I'm wondering:
1. What are the potential risks and how can I avoid them?
2. Is it realistic for a 15 year old to even try?
3. How long would it take and how much would it cost?
Thanks for all of your help PF.

 

[phinds]

There have been several threads on this forum about that topic but as I recall, they all end up getting closed because it's too dangerous. Try a forum search.

 

[Drakkith]

A particle accelerator is a dangerous project involving high voltage electricity and radiation and can easily kill or injure you or someone else. I'm not a mod, but I don't believe PF rules allow us to discuss dangerous projects, especially with amateurs who do not have the required expertise and knowledge to safely build them.

 

[Dale]

phinds and Drakkith are correct:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=414380

 

[PJC01]

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in particle accelerators and for reaching out to us for advice. It is great that you have a strong understanding of the physics and mathematics involved in building a particle accelerator. However, I must strongly advise against attempting to build a homemade particle accelerator at home, especially at the age of 15.

Firstly, the risks involved in building and operating a particle accelerator are significant and should not be taken lightly. High voltage, high energy particles, and strong magnetic fields are just some of the potential hazards that can cause serious harm if not handled properly. Even professional scientists and engineers who work with particle accelerators undergo extensive training and safety protocols to minimize these risks. Without proper training and safety measures in place, building a homemade particle accelerator can be extremely dangerous.

Moreover, there are also legal and regulatory considerations to take into account. Particle accelerators are highly regulated and require permits and licenses to operate. Attempting to build one without the necessary approvals can result in legal consequences.

In terms of feasibility, building a particle accelerator at home is not a realistic goal. Particle accelerators are complex and expensive machines that require specialized equipment, materials, and expertise to build. Even with a strong understanding of the physics and mathematics involved, it is highly unlikely that a 15 year old would have access to the necessary resources and funding to build a functioning particle accelerator.

In summary, I strongly advise against attempting to build a homemade particle accelerator at home. The risks involved are significant and the feasibility is low. Instead, I would recommend exploring other physics projects that can be done safely and within your means. There are plenty of exciting experiments and demonstrations that can be done at home using simpler materials and equipment. I wish you all the best in your scientific pursuits.