I want to build a particle accelerator

In summary, a 15-year-old is interested in building a particle accelerator in their backyard, despite the fact that it is a dangerous and difficult undertaking. They are seeking advice on books to read and research to do in order to gain knowledge on physics, engineering, electromagnetism, and particle physics. Some suggestions include researching the Large Hadron Collider, studying electronics and building a buck converter, and joining a group that builds particle accelerators. The individual has a basic understanding of circuits and plans to learn more about calculus in order to further their knowledge.
  • #36
Is this website a good source of info on making a magnetic levitron? http://www.bis0uhr.de/projekte/schwebekugel/english.php%99http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&ved=0CFYQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bis0uhr.de%2Fprojekte%2Fschwebekugel%2Fenglish.php&ei=nst9UK7cIc650QGTj4DAAw&usg=AFQjCNEta-ZyAMior76ebj9Fsoxpw0MaAg&sig2=85Oe8ev2u7Jv_685HU_LUw [Broken]
 
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  • #37
guitarphysics said:
Is this website a good source of info on making a magnetic levitron? http://www.bis0uhr.de/projekte/schwebekugel/english.php%99http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&ved=0CFYQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bis0uhr.de%2Fprojekte%2Fschwebekugel%2Fenglish.php&ei=nst9UK7cIc650QGTj4DAAw&usg=AFQjCNEta-ZyAMior76ebj9Fsoxpw0MaAg&sig2=85Oe8ev2u7Jv_685HU_LUw [Broken]

This website appears to be an excellent guide to building a "levitron". I suggest you translate all that German text to avoid guesses and be sure of the details so as to not make mistakes. You can use "Google translate" to do so.

Let us know here on Physics Forums how your levitron works!

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
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  • #38
Oh damn, I forgot about this thread!

Here are the links from me. Two, a bit different models of levitrons. Both have the schemes of circuits and a list of necessary components. Unfortunately, both .pdfs are in polish, but you don't need much more that to know, that:

Rezystroy = resistors
kondensatory = capacitors
półprzewodniki = semiconductors
pozostałe = other

IMO the 2nd one has better view on circuit and is a bit easier to build.
The general idea is that you put a infrared diod pointing at fotoresistor . Now, the object that you want to levitate, has to block part of the light emited by the diod. Therefore, as object goes down, more light is transmited onto fotoresistor and it's resistance grows and the difference of potentials in circuit containing this resistor changes. This is how we gat the information about the location of of the object. Then the signal goes to the circuit that diferentiates the information about the location, that is it checks how fast object changes its location, and that quantity is called velocity. Now we know objects location and velocity. This signal goes into aplifier and then stright to the magnet's controller, so if the object goes down, the magnetic field gets stronger and vice versa. Sorry if that's not very clear :s. If you need to translate sth. just let me know.

http://sklep.avt.pl/photo/_pdf/AVT2741-1.pdf

http://sklep.avt.pl/photo/_pdf/AVT2741-2.pdf
 
  • #39
So this thread went from building an accelerator to a cloud chamber, to a levitron?

You guys can't stick to a single topic, can you?

Zz.
 
  • #40
regarding every day accelerators...like my vacuum tube suggestion ...

check out cathode ray tubes in TV's and klystrons...

these offer some simple insights about accelerating particles which you can understand
without a lot of complications...

there is slick illustration here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klystron
 
  • #41
Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone, but ZapperZ is right. We've digressed a bit too much. These ideas will keep me busy for quite a while! Again thanks for everything, you've given me a lot to think about.
 
<h2>What is a particle accelerator?</h2><p>A particle accelerator is a scientific instrument that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate and propel charged particles to high speeds. These particles are then collided with each other or with stationary targets to study their properties and interactions.</p><h2>Why do scientists want to build particle accelerators?</h2><p>Scientists build particle accelerators to study the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their behavior. By colliding particles at high energies, scientists can recreate the conditions of the early universe and gain insight into the nature of matter and energy.</p><h2>How do particle accelerators work?</h2><p>Particle accelerators work by using powerful magnets to create electric fields that accelerate particles to high speeds. These particles are then guided through a series of tubes and chambers, where they are further accelerated and focused before being collided with other particles or targets for study.</p><h2>What are the benefits of building a particle accelerator?</h2><p>Particle accelerators have a wide range of applications in scientific research, medicine, and industry. They can help us better understand the universe, develop new technologies, and advance medical treatments such as cancer therapy.</p><h2>What are the challenges of building a particle accelerator?</h2><p>Building a particle accelerator is a complex and expensive endeavor. It requires advanced engineering and technology, as well as a large team of scientists and technicians. Additionally, operating and maintaining a particle accelerator requires significant resources and expertise.</p>

What is a particle accelerator?

A particle accelerator is a scientific instrument that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate and propel charged particles to high speeds. These particles are then collided with each other or with stationary targets to study their properties and interactions.

Why do scientists want to build particle accelerators?

Scientists build particle accelerators to study the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their behavior. By colliding particles at high energies, scientists can recreate the conditions of the early universe and gain insight into the nature of matter and energy.

How do particle accelerators work?

Particle accelerators work by using powerful magnets to create electric fields that accelerate particles to high speeds. These particles are then guided through a series of tubes and chambers, where they are further accelerated and focused before being collided with other particles or targets for study.

What are the benefits of building a particle accelerator?

Particle accelerators have a wide range of applications in scientific research, medicine, and industry. They can help us better understand the universe, develop new technologies, and advance medical treatments such as cancer therapy.

What are the challenges of building a particle accelerator?

Building a particle accelerator is a complex and expensive endeavor. It requires advanced engineering and technology, as well as a large team of scientists and technicians. Additionally, operating and maintaining a particle accelerator requires significant resources and expertise.

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