The path of particles in the L.H.C. pics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the paths of particles observed in diagrams from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), specifically focusing on why these paths appear parabolic rather than radiating outward from the point of impact. The scope includes theoretical explanations related to particle physics and the effects of magnetic fields on charged particles at near-light speeds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the paths of particles in LHC diagrams are parabolic due to the influence of magnetic fields on charged particles, which are bent rather than traveling straight outwards.
  • Another participant explains that the curvature of the particle paths allows for the measurement of their energy, with higher-energy particles curving less.
  • A later reply mentions the challenges in measuring the charge sign of very energetic particles due to their curved trajectories.
  • It is pointed out that neutral particles, such as photons and neutrons, do not bend because they lack charge, and therefore do not produce tracks in the detectors.
  • Kaons are also mentioned as relevant neutral particles in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the effects of magnetic fields on charged particles and the behavior of neutral particles, but there is no consensus on the implications of these observations or the specifics of measurement challenges.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in measuring particle trajectories and energies, nor does it clarify the implications of the observed parabolic paths in relation to particle interactions.

hsdrop
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I was looking at the diagrams from the lhc of the path of particles and notice that the path of the particles always craved parabolically not traveled strat outward from the point of impact. Why does this happen explachely when the particles are traveling at near light speeds

thank you ahead of time for any and all replays
 
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The LHC experiments have magnetic fields, charged particles are bent. The curvature allows to measure the energy of the particle - higher-energetic particles are curved less. Knowing the energy of those particles is crucial to figure out what happened in the collisions.
 
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mfb said:
The LHC experiments have magnetic fields, charged particles are bent. The curvature allows to measure the energy of the particle - higher-energetic particles are curved less. Knowing the energy of those particles is crucial to figure out what happened in the collisions.
thank you for the insite also on a side note you do a wonderful job keeping the forum updated with the happening at the L.H.C.
 
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very energetic particles are of course hard to say, and there is a higher chance to mis-measure the particles' charge sign (because you can't see how their trajectory is curved).
Neutral particles (photons, neutrons) are not bent because they don't have a charge.
 
ChrisVer said:
Neutral particles (photons, neutrons) are not bent because they don't have a charge.
They also don't produce tracks for the same reason.

Kaons are relevant neutral particles as well.
 

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