Possibly Stupid Question on Atom Smashing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the theoretical scenario of colliding electrons accelerated to near light speed using betatrons. Participants explore the implications of relativistic speeds during such collisions and the nature of velocities in the context of special relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether anything peculiar happens when two electrons collide at speeds they perceive as over the speed of light.
  • Another participant clarifies that the collision does not occur at speeds exceeding the speed of light in any reference frame of the involved particles, referencing the principles of special relativity.
  • A different participant emphasizes that relativistic velocities are calculated using the Lorentz transform, which ensures that resultant velocities remain below the speed of light.
  • Further, a participant notes that the addition of velocities is not linear at relativistic speeds, contrasting it with low-speed scenarios.
  • One participant reassures the original poster that experiments similar to the described scenario are routinely conducted in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the principles of special relativity and the behavior of velocities at high speeds, but the initial question reflects a misunderstanding that is clarified through the discussion. No consensus is reached on the implications of the collisions themselves beyond the clarification of relativistic effects.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of particle collisions at relativistic speeds, nor does it delve into specific outcomes of such experiments. It remains focused on the theoretical aspects of velocity addition and relativistic effects.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals new to physics, particularly those interested in special relativity and particle physics, as well as those curious about the behavior of particles at high velocities.

Willard37
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Suppose you theoretically have two betatrons each accelerating a particle near light speed in opposite directions. Suppose you collide both of these electrons together head on both at close to light speed. Since the collision is happening at speeds over the speed of light, does anything peculiar happen? Sorry if this sounds completely outrageous, I am brand new to physics.
 
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Since the collision is happening at speeds over the speed of light, does anything peculiar happen?

The collision is not happening at a speed greater than the speed of light in the reference frame of either of the particles. A really quick search found this. Not much math, but seems intuitive.

http://www.pitt.edu/~jdnorton/teaching/HPS_0410/chapters/Special_relativity_adding/index.html

I assume that is the reason that you thought the something peculiar would happen... although, a lot of peculiar things DO happen when particles are smashed together, but I'm guessing your worry was over the issues with relativity. If I'm wrong, I apologize.
 
Willard37 said:
Suppose you theoretically have two betatrons each accelerating a particle near light speed in opposite directions. Suppose you collide both of these electrons together head on both at close to light speed. Since the collision is happening at speeds over the speed of light, does anything peculiar happen? Sorry if this sounds completely outrageous, I am brand new to physics.

Calculating relativistic velocities is not done in the way you'd expect. You use the Lorentz transform. It will always result in a velocity less than c.
 
Willard37 said:
Suppose you theoretically have two betatrons each accelerating a particle near light speed in opposite directions. Suppose you collide both of these electrons together head on both at close to light speed. Since the collision is happening at speeds over the speed of light, does anything peculiar happen? Sorry if this sounds completely outrageous, I am brand new to physics.

Welcome to PhysicsForums, Willard37!

As already mentioned, velocities do not add in a linear fashion (as in 1+1=2), although it appears that way when the velocities are very low. As you approach the speed of light, the difference becomes quite pronounced.

Keep in mind that experiments of the type you describe are done routinely.
 

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