Particle Accelerator with the Earth's diameter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical construction of a particle accelerator with a circumference equal to the Earth's diameter. Participants explore the potential energy levels achievable, the financial implications, and the feasibility of such a project, including considerations of synchrotron radiation and the probing capabilities of high-energy physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant speculates that a particle accelerator with a circumference of the Earth could potentially reach energies around 2000 TeV, suggesting that new physics might emerge at this energy level.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the financial feasibility of such a project, with a participant comparing the potential costs to global nuclear arsenals.
  • Questions are posed about the energy requirements for constructing such an accelerator and whether a linear acceleration approach would be more efficient than circular.
  • Another participant inquires about the research conducted on this topic, implying a need for more thorough investigation.
  • Synchrotron radiation is identified as a significant challenge for a particle accelerator of this scale, with a participant indicating that it could pose serious problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of interest and skepticism regarding the feasibility and implications of a particle accelerator of this size. There is no consensus on the practicality or the specific energy levels that could be achieved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed research or existing models for such a large-scale accelerator, as well as unresolved questions about the energy requirements and the effects of synchrotron radiation.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in high-energy physics, particle accelerator design, and the financial implications of large scientific projects may find this discussion relevant.

lucas_
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If particle accelerators with circumference of the Earth could be built (imagine around the world). How many TeV can it reach? Maybe new physics can occur at 2000 TeV.

I heard the US nuclear arsenals costs 2 trillion dollars. Worldwide, the total costs of all nations nuclear arsenals may reach 10 trillion dollars or more. If these would be used to finance Earth circumference particle accelerator. This would be nice. What is the energy requirement for this project? the particles being accelerated don't have to be so curved, so what's best to accelerate it linearly?

By the way. For 2000 TeV, what is the smallest scales it can see? What is the formula to know the size of scale certain energy in TeV can probe in particle accelerators?
 
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What research have you done on this? What did it tell you?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
What research have you done on this? What did it tell you?

I googled "earth size particle accelerator". Zero exact hits. Most about LHC eating up earth.
 
Synchrotron radiation will be a really bad problem for such a large accelerator.

More about it here.
 

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