What Are Teraelectronvolts (TeV) & the LHC?

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SUMMARY

Teraelectronvolts (TeV) are a measure of energy used in particle physics, specifically at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The LHC accelerates protons in a 27 km circumference ring, utilizing radio frequency (RF) cavities to provide a 485,000 volt kick to the beams. Over a 20-minute period, this results in an acceleration to approximately 6.5 TeV per beam, although current operations are achieving around 3.5 TeV per beam. The magnets in the LHC do not contribute energy but serve to guide the proton beams around the ring.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of particle physics terminology
  • Familiarity with the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) operations
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic fields and their applications
  • Concept of radio frequency (RF) acceleration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of particle acceleration in the LHC
  • Learn about the design and function of RF cavities in particle physics
  • Explore the implications of achieving higher energy levels in particle collisions
  • Investigate the role of superconducting magnets in the LHC
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, engineers, and students interested in high-energy particle physics, particularly those studying the operations and technologies of the Large Hadron Collider.

lederhosen
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Ok when they say things such as teraelectronvolts i don't know what sort of context that applies to. like are they pumping that much energy into the magnets or what are they doing with all those electron volts its confusing.
like what do they mean when they say beam x number of teraelectronvolts per beam?
 
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What LHC does is circulate the protons in a 27 Km circumference ring of magnets, so the circulation time is about 90 microseconds per revolution. Every time the beam comes around, special radio frequency (RF) cavities give the beam a 485,000 volt kick (acceleration). In 20 minutes, the kicks add up to 485,000 x 60 x 20/(90 x 10-6) = 6,500,000,000,000 volts, or 6.5 trillion volts, or 6.5 tera electron volts (TeV). There are actually two beams, one going in each direction. The magnets do not pump any energy into the beam, they just guide the beam around in the ring. (Right now, they are only accelerating to about 3.5 TeV per beam).

Bob S
 
thanks. that cleared a lot up
 

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