Is the LHC Beam Prevented from Falling at 9.81 m/s by Electromagnetic Fields?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanisms that prevent the beam of protons in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) from falling due to gravity, specifically questioning whether electromagnetic fields play a role in this process. The scope includes conceptual understanding of particle acceleration and the forces at play in high-energy physics environments.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what prevents the proton beam from falling at 9.81 m/s, expressing a lack of awareness of any electric or magnetic fields that could counteract gravity.
  • Another participant asserts that the LHC utilizes powerful magnetic fields to steer protons, suggesting that the acceleration to relativistic speeds makes the effect of gravity negligible.
  • A different participant proposes that placing a positively charged plate under the beam could repel the protons, thus opposing gravitational effects.
  • One participant expresses surprise that others are unaware of the electromagnetic forces used in the LHC to steer beams, emphasizing the role of magnetic forces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific mechanisms preventing the proton beam from falling. There are competing views regarding the role of electromagnetic fields and the understanding of gravitational effects on the beam.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of electromagnetic fields and their interactions with charged particles are not fully explored. The discussion does not clarify the extent to which gravity affects the beam or the specific configurations of the LHC's electromagnetic systems.

God Plays Dice
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What prevents the beam of protons in say the lhc from falling at 9.81 m/s? I've never heard of an electric or magnetic field that prevents it...
 
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The LHC is nothing but a giant super-powerful magnetic tube. Protons are charged particles. It can accelerate them to relativistic speeds; a paltry 9.81m/s drift is child's play.
 
God Plays Dice said:
What prevents the beam of protons in say the lhc from falling at 9.81 m/s? I've never heard of an electric or magnetic field that prevents it...

Sure you have. Put a positively charged plate under the beam and it will repel the protons, thus opposing gravity.
 
God Plays Dice said:
? I've never heard of an electric or magnetic field that prevents it...

I'm really shocked that you could have looked anything up and not learned that the LHC steers beams using electromagnetic - primarily magnetic - forces.
 

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