Why CERN Energy Level Seems Low?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy levels achievable at CERN, specifically questioning why the maximum energy per particle seems low and what factors limit the energy that can be provided to particles in accelerators.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that CERN can achieve energy levels of up to 14 TeV per particle, which they find low and question why more energy cannot be provided.
  • Another participant clarifies that the energy mentioned is per particle and highlights the vast number of particles in a macroscopic object, approximately ##10^{23}##.
  • A later reply provides specific details about the energy levels of protons, stating they can reach up to 6.5 TeV each, with a total collision energy of 13 TeV (design goal of 14 TeV).
  • It is mentioned that the total energy of all protons in the beams is around 600 MJ, and the energy per proton is constrained by the magnetic field strength and curvature radius of the accelerator.
  • Participants discuss the challenges involved in increasing the energy per proton, including the need for a new tunnel for a larger radius and the complexities of designing stronger magnets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various aspects of the energy levels and limitations, but there is no consensus on the reasons for the perceived low energy or the feasibility of increasing it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion touches on technical limitations related to magnetic field strength and accelerator design, but does not resolve the implications of these limitations or the potential for future advancements.

Arman777
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I heard that Cern can give particles energy up to ##14TeV## which its like ##2.2430 × 10^{-6}##joules.But it seems so low energy...Why can't we give more energy ? What am I missing
Thanks
 
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That is energy per particle. A macroscopic object has [itex]\sim 10^{23}[/itex] particles.
 
Oh I see
 
The protons have up to 6.5 TeV (design: 7 TeV) each, a collision of two protons has a total energy of 13 TeV (design: 14 TeV).
The total energy of all protons in the beams together is about 600 MJ.

The energy per proton is limited by the magnetic field strength and the curvature radius. Increasing the radius would need a new tunnel (and a completely new accelerator), increasing the magnetic field strength would need very challenging magnet designs.
 

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