Particle accelerator question -- when the protons "crash" particles are created

In summary, In summary, the particles in particle accelerators are created from the energy to mass conversion that occurs during collisions. These particles can come from nowhere as long as the energy needed for their creation is available. The type of particles produced is determined by theoretical considerations and higher energy collisions may bring about different particles. The discovery of the Higgs boson supports the existence of the Higgs field, which is necessary for the existence of the Higgs boson according to the Standard Model.
  • #1
deuce123
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I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question., but I'll ask anyways. So in particle accelerators when the protons "crash" particles are created because of the extremely high amount of energy(example of e=mc^2?)? Is that correct? Also, where do these particles come from? The Higgs boson was detected so maybe from another dimension? I apologize if this question is elementary haha
 
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  • #2
The particles are a result of the energy to mass conversion.
 
  • #3
deuce123 said:
So in particle accelerators when the protons "crash" particles are created because of the extremely high amount of energy(example of e=mc^2?)?
yes.

deuce123 said:
Also, where do these particles come from?
Nowhere, they are created (with some probability) because the energy needed is available during the collision (and they can be produced)...

deuce123 said:
The Higgs boson was detected so maybe from another dimension?
No need for extra dimensions...
 
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  • #4
ChrisVer said:
yes.Nowhere, they are created (with some probability) because the energy needed is available during the collision (and they can be produced)...No need for extra dimensions...
So what determines the type of particles that get made? Do even higher energy collisions bring about different particles than the lower ones? If the Higgs boson can just be made from nowhere, why do physicists assume that it exists everywhere in our known universe just because it matches the characteristics of the theoritical boson?
 
  • #5
deuce123 said:
So what determines the type of particles that get made?
Any process (which results to some particles) that doesn't violate your assumed conservation laws is possible... The probability is taken by theoretical considerations.
For example in the collision of two protons, 2 gluons may "fuse" to produce a Higgs particle which will later on decay to let's say 2 photons, 4 leptons (by decaying to ZZ) , 2 leptons (prefering heaviest leptons, eg ditau), or even to quarks (especially heavy b-quarks, which will hadronize) etc...
Of course the production of the HIggs is way less probable than the gluons fusing to produce other gluons or quarks... That's 1 reason why it was so amazing that the Higgs was found: within such a large background, like finding a needle in the haystack (if not less probable).

deuce123 said:
Do even higher energy collisions bring about different particles than the lower ones?
I don't understand the question.
If there are very massive particles, probing higher energies can allow you to search for them...
If for example you collide electron/positrons at 1GeV, you will probably not see Z being produced (needing 90GeV just to be produced at rest)...only if you are able to see its tails around the pole, but still at 3GeV I don't think you can.

deuce123 said:
If the Higgs boson can just be made from nowhere, why do physicists assume that it exists everywhere in our known universe just because it matches the characteristics of the theoritical boson?

Nobody assumes that Higgs bosons exist everywhere... the Higgs field does, as all the other fields, but fields are nothing but mathematical constructs which allow you to describe particle physics...
 
  • #6
ChrisVer said:
Any process (which results to some particles) that doesn't violate your assumed conservation laws is possible... The probability is taken by theoretical considerations.
For example in the collision of two protons, 2 gluons may "fuse" to produce a Higgs particle which will later on decay to let's say 2 photons, 4 leptons (by decaying to ZZ) , 2 leptons (prefering heaviest leptons, eg ditau), or even to quarks (especially heavy b-quarks, which will hadronize) etc...
Of course the production of the HIggs is way less probable than the gluons fusing to produce other gluons or quarks... That's 1 reason why it was so amazing that the Higgs was found: within such a large background, like finding a needle in the haystack (if not less probable).I don't understand the question.
If there are very massive particles, probing higher energies can allow you to search for them...
If for example you collide electron/positrons at 1GeV, you will probably not see Z being produced (needing 90GeV just to be produced at rest)...only if you are able to see its tails around the pole, but still at 3GeV I don't think you can.
Nobody assumes that Higgs bosons exist everywhere... the Higgs field does, as all the other fields, but fields are nothing but mathematical constructs which allow you to describe particle physics...
whats the connection between the boson and the Higgs field? Also thank you for the descriptive answer, I appreciate it,
 
  • #7
deuce123 said:
whats the connection between the boson and the Higgs field?

the connection between the two is that without a Higgs field (as introduced in the standard model) you can't have the higgs boson (which is the physical degree of freedom that is left from the higgs field after the spontaneous symmetry breaking)...
The discovery of the higgs boson with the features predicted by the standard model indicates that your theory of electroweak theory + spontaneous symmetry breaking from a scalar field is the 'way to go' to describe stuff.[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]
 

1. What is a particle accelerator?

A particle accelerator is a scientific instrument used to accelerate particles to high speeds, usually close to the speed of light. This is done by using electromagnetic fields to propel the particles through a vacuum tube.

2. How do particle accelerators work?

Particle accelerators work by using powerful magnets to create a strong magnetic field that guides and accelerates the particles. The particles are then directed towards a target, where they collide with other particles, creating new particles.

3. What happens when protons "crash" in a particle accelerator?

When protons collide in a particle accelerator, they release a tremendous amount of energy. This energy is converted into new particles, which can help scientists study the properties of matter and the forces that hold it together.

4. What types of particles are created when protons collide?

When protons collide, they can create a variety of particles, including quarks, gluons, and Higgs bosons. These particles are not visible to the naked eye, but their properties can be studied using specialized detectors.

5. What are the practical applications of particle accelerators?

Particle accelerators have many practical applications, including medical treatments, such as cancer therapy and medical imaging. They are also used in industrial processes, such as sterilization and material analysis. Additionally, particle accelerators play a crucial role in scientific research, helping us to better understand the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

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